Get ready to experience the CHRISTMAS FLIGHT around the world! Experience a magical odyssey at SM City Cabanatuan’s Christmas Centerpiece, where a tapestry of diverse traditions awaits. The focal point is a towering 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with glistening lights, complemented by a 15-foot Santa Claus riding a plane, poised to embark on an exhilarating journey! Surrounding them are representations of Santas from around the world, alongside Christmas trees of different heights and an abundance of holiday presents, each showcasing the unique culture and heartwarming celebrations of the season.

By: Dante M. Salvaña The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has formalized a strategic partnership with the National Development Co. (NDC), enabling the BCDA to tap NDC’s expertise in financing and implementing high-impact projects in New Clark City. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang and NDC General Manager Antonilo DC Mauricio signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) creating a collaborative framework for the urban development of New Clark City. BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes and NDC Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications Leopoldo Acot served as witnesses. “We thank the NDC for readily offering to share with BCDA its knowledge and expertise in financing and implementing projects, particularly in urban expansion, industrial development, and energy, among others. With more than a hundred years of experience and track record, NDC will surely become instrumental in the transformation of New Clark City into the country’s first smart, sustainable, and future-ready metropolis,” PCEO Bingcang said. Chairperson Paredes, for his part, said: “With our shared vision to spur national development, we believe that this new partnership will enable us to implement transformative projects that will help New Clark City achieve its fullest potential.” Under the MOU, both parties intend to discuss and explore potential collaboration opportunities, leading to the preparation of a feasibility study report that may include technical and commercial assessments of developments within the BCDA’s properties. NDC is interested in New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare greenfield development inside the Clark Special Economic Zone positioned to be an inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and smart city. This major metropolis is being developed to help decongest Metro Manila, and to serve as an investment hub to catalyze growth in Central Luzon. GM Mauricio said this partnership will allow NDC to leverage on the BCDA’s experience in building great cities, like the Bonifacio Global City, paving the way for the implementation of innovative projects that will improve the lives of Filipinos. “We want to leverage our strategic areas with partners who understand city-building, especially the BCDA. Thank you very much to BCDA for this honor of signing an MOU with NDC,” he said. As the government’s investment arm, the NDC pursues commercial, industrial, agricultural, and mining ventures to provide necessary impetus to national economic development. This is aligned with the BCDA’s mission of transforming former military bases into centers of economic development.            

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was awarded the “Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines 2024 during the World Business Outlook Awards 2024 on November 2, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park in Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by the World Business Outlook magazine, the award-giving body fetes global brand companies that excel in Global Banking, Finance, Real Estate, Healthcare, Education, Technology, Mining, and other business sectors worldwide. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño received the prestigious award, along with Director Teodoro Del Rosario, Business and Investment Group for Leisure Manager Josephine Ivy Ferrer and General Business and Investment Officer-in-Charge Cleofe Espinelli from His Excellency Artur Dmochowski, Ambassador of Poland to the Kingdom of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. “The World Business Outlook Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes industry excellence, exceptional leadership, outstanding success strategies, and global presence,” organizers cited. They also cited that their expert jury panel was established to ensure that only the top performers from each sector will receive the top honours of the year. “This is why we have a very discrete and rigorous methodology for each of our award categories. The Global Recognition that our winners receive are a testament of our dedication towards promoting our champions,” the award-giving media organization cited. Chairman Aliño expressed his gratitude to the World Business Outlook for recognizing the SBMA for its thrust in developing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone a sustainable investment hub in the world. “It is with profound honor that we accept this distinct accolade from the World Business Outlook award-giving body for being the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” he said. “This is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community, stakeholders, and partners who share our vision for a sustainable future,” he added. Chairman Aliño also urged the event attendees to, “engage in innovative practices, promote green technologies, and ensure that our commitment to sustainability remains at the forefront of everything we do.” “Together, we will continue to pave the way for responsible investment practices, ensuring that we leave a thriving planet for future generations,” he said. Ambassador Dmochowski and India-Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok President Sushil Kumar Dhanuka were the guests of honor during the ceremony. The event also served as a bridge to other companies, as some of the most innovative business minds and influential people were also present during the event. The World Business Outlook cited that their main motive is to “Reward the Ultimate in Business Excellence” from across the world. “We hope you take complete benefit of this networking opportunity at World Business Outlook 2024 and turn this evening into a memorable event for your company and your team.” Other Philippine awardees were ABS-CBN Corporation, Ayala Property Management Corporation, Cebu Pacific Air, Centro Escolar University, Megaworld Corporation, Nickel Asia Corporation, San Miguel Global Power Corporation, and among other Filipino brand names.        

By Zaldy Comanda   BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) is the first ever state university in Central Luzon that will have its campus buildings powered by the sun. During the Powering the Future: The Solarization Commissioning Ceremony held at the BPSU Campus here. Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation (PAPA) Secretary Larry Gadon, BPSU President Dr. Ruby Santos-Matibag, and Philko 18 Group of Companies Inc. President Michelle Sia led the ceremonial switching of the breakers at the BPSU administration building on Monday, October 28. The solar energy initiative is a project by the Philko 18 Group of Companies Inc., in conjunction with the BPSU and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) that aims to optimize the school’s energy consumption by utilizing solar energy. The construction of the solar power project includes solar panels at the rooftop of the BPSU’s main buildings. The solar rooftop is projected to generate around 675 kilowatts of power that will provide electricity to two large buildings of the main campus. This collaborative endeavor between Philko 18 Group of Companies Inc., BPSU, and PNOC emphasizes the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in driving sustainable development and addressing pressing environmental challenges. Philko President Sia said that by harnessing the region’s vast solar energy potential, this initiative will substantially reduce the university’s carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. She added that through their partnership with BPSU and PNOC, the combined expertise of the three entities will ensure the success and efficiency of this solar power project. “We are excited to collaborate with BPSU as well as PNOC to make this initiative a reality. By harnessing solar energy, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also providing the university with sustainable energy solutions for years to come,” she said.   BPSU President Matibag said, “This solar power project aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship as well as sustainable development. We believe it will serve as a model for other educational institutions and businesses in the region.”   For his part, Secretary Gadon said that education is one of the key factors in alleviating poverty, citing that this solar energy endeavor would provide the BPSU additional savings for its purpose in providing education to the youth. He congratulated the stakeholders in their involvement in the solar energy initiative, hoping that more and more campuses and academes in the country follow suite. The ceremonial switching of the solar energy to power the campuses is the first in Central Luzon for a state university, with BPSU, Philko and PNOC planning to create a bigger solar project in the Orani campus by constructing a floating 27-megawatt solar farm.        

By Dante M. Salvana OLONGAPO CITY – In a unified effort to safeguard and sustainability manage the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with various national government agencies, provincial and local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and civil society organizations, launched the Provincial Caravan for the WPS in Zambales on October 22, 2024. The event was held at the SMX Convention Center in Olongapo City, Zambales. Titled “Bayanihan Adhikain, Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kaunlarang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” the initiative builds on the memorandum of the first-ever National Summit for the West Philippine Sea, held in August 2023. The summit, which gathered 500 participants from provincial, city and municipal LGUs, as well as national agencies, academia, and environmental organizations, resulted in the creation of comprehensive national and provincial action plans aimed at protecting the WPS, ensuring food security, and promoting inclusive economic growth. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. was the guest of honor at the gathering. where he gave a report on the preparations being made by the province for the fishermen of the province. In his speech, the governor said that they intend to present the plan of the province in relation to the problems faced by the fishing sectors here. Among his announced program is the formation of a cooperative for more than 27,000 fishermen as well as the establishment of the Zambales Maritime Council that will serve as a guide for the cooperatives to be built. The Zambales Provincial Caravan marks the fifth provincial caravan, following previous ones held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (May 02, 2024), Batac, Ilocos Norte (August 19, 2024), Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (August 28, 2024) and La Union (September 18, 2024). These caravans were designed to disseminate the WPS action plans further and encourage their integration inti local development plans and strategies. The program commenced with a situationer and video presentation highlighting the value of WPS, followed by detailed discussions on the national and provincial action plans. As the lead convenor, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting the region and its sustainable management. The event concluded with the signing in the commitment wall and the official launch of the “Bayanihan Adhikain, Bayanihang Aksiyon para sa Kaunlarang Dagat mg Pilipinas (Gawad Bayanihang Aksiyon)” initiative. This initiative is supported by Tanggol Kalikasan’s  project, “Restoring the Resources for Economic Sustainability of the West Philippine Sea (RESTORE-WPS),” under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program, facilitated by the Gerry Roxas Foundation.     

By Dante Salvana Real estate developers and locators in various economic zones of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have expressed support for the proposed bills amending Republic Act 7227, stressing that such measure would allow the state-run firm to continue ushering sustainable economic growth, drive investments, and generate jobs for Filipinos. Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), Ayala Corp., Megaworld Corp., and Hann Development Corp. (HDC), delivered their respective letters of support for House Bill 8505 and Senate Bill 2647, citing BCDA’s track record as a key player in economic development and nation building. As the developer of the 288-hectare mixed-use development Filinvest New Clark City in Tarlac and the 201-hectare leisure estate Filinvest Mimosa+ in Pampanga, FLI described BCDA as a “key progress catalyst” in Central Luzon, and a “steadfast partner” in establishing townships, business hubs, and industrial zones. Hence, Filinvest believes that the continued existence and expansion of BCDA will strengthen its ability to drive economic growth and develop key areas in the country. “The renewal of BCDA’s corporate existence and expanded role under [the bill] will inspire trust and confidence from both local and foreign investors and boost the country’s economy. The extension of BCDA’s corporate existence not only ensures continued progress of the areas within its jurisdiction, but also allows the expansion of its industrial and economic footprint, attracting investors and fostering local economy,” FLI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tristaneil D. Las Marias said. Ayala also said its partnership with the BCDA for the development of the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and its subsidiary, John Hay Management Corp., for the Ayala Land Technohub in Baguio City, has helped stimulate economic growth in these areas and create more jobs for Filipinos. “Thus, we support the proposal to extend the corporate term of BCDA for another 50 years from 2042,” Ayala Corp. President and CEO Cezar P. Consing said. The company also supported the measure to convert a portion of BCDA’s economic zones to alienable and disposable lands as this will enable BCDA to “create more economic and social impact” through the sound conversion of former military bases into productive developments. Megaworld, meanwhile, said its partnership with the BCDA resulted in the development of McKinley Hill, Uptown Bonifacio, and Newport City, which it described as “prime centers of economic development key areas for employment generation.” “We thus welcome the proposal to extend the corporate term of the BCDA and we are confident that the additional term provided to the BCDA would translate to even greater benefits to the country and the Filipino people,” said Kevin Andrew L. Tan, CEO of Alliance Global Group Inc., the parent company of Megaworld. In addition, Tan said the conversion of a portion of BCDA ecozones from leasehold to freehold would make more dynamic and sustainable township developments. He said a freehold residential component would make these ecozones more attractive and competitive as investment destinations. Lastly, Hann Chairman and CEO Dae Sik Han said extending BCDA’s term is vital for project continuity, ensuring the successful execution and completion of long-term initiatives. “This stability is crucial for sustained economic growth and development, providing confidence to partners like Hann Development,”  he said. HDC is the developer of Clark’s first fully integrated development, Hann Casino Resort, and the 450-hectare luxury estate development called Hann Reserve in New Clark City. Senate Bill 2647 seeks to declare a certain percentage of the land area of each BCDA ecozone as alienable and disposable, authorizing its sale for residential use, mixed use, industrial, and institutional purposes. The bill also seeks to extend the BCDA’s corporate term by another 50 years from its current remaining corporate life of 18 years. Its counterpart bill in the House of Representatives, House Bill 8505, was approved on third and final reading in August last year.        

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC, Zambales – Eight fishermen from this town surrendered to authorities on Monday night nearly two kilos of suspected shabu worth P12 million they fished from sea off Lubang Isaland. The surrender of the illegal drugs was facilitated by joint elements of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA Zambales, headed by PDEA Zambales Chief Agent Jigger Junniler, as Lead Unit, kasama ang Subic Municipal Police Station, at PDEU Zambales. Agent Junniler and Zambales Police Provincial Director P/Col. Ricardo S. Pangan, Jr. lauded the courage and for being honest and responsible citizens of the fishermen identified as Jayson Ausejo, 53, the boat captain, and resident of Matain, Subic; and his crews Jay Lenares, Henry Flores, Artur Bautista, Raffy Villar, John Albert Carles, all of Barangay Matain, Subic; Danilo Acosta of Barangay Calapandayan, Subic, and Jinggoy Estrada, of Barangay Samal, Mariveles, Bataan, for surrendering the drugs. Earlier, PDEA Zambales received information from Barangay Matain Chiarman Marvin B. Chua about the eight fishermen who wish to surrender the suspected shabu which they fished out from the sea about 90 nautical miles off Lubang Island in Mindoro Occidental. After which, PDEA coordinated with ZPPO and Subic Police to jointly facilitate the turn-over of the illegal drugs. The boat’s captain Ausejo told investigators that while they were on their way back home to Matain from several days of fishing, they noticed pieces of plastic bags floating in the sea. Ausejo ordered his crew to pick all the 11 plastic bags, and upon inspection they discovered that each contains suspected shabu. After verification, police confirmed that the contents of each plastic bags are shabu with a total weight of 1,800 grams (1.8 kilos) with market value approximately P12,240,000.00. The pieces of evidence were brought to PDEA Regional Office 3 for proper documentation and disposition.        

By Ruben A.Veloria Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is currently keen on fast tracking the redevelopment of its Boton Wharf to address the growing influx of ship arrivals in the Port of Subic. Among the priority port expansion projects to be implemented, is the Boton Wharf which has a total length of 648 meters and depth of 10 meters, and currently being used as berthing for transshipment vessels, fishing boats, bulk cargoes and fertilizer terminal by Subic Seaport Terminal Inc. (SSTI). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said, “The Boton Wharf Redevelopment project is part of the infrastructure roadmap under the Luzon Economic Corridor of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to improve port services for our stakeholders.” Aliño added that one of the main objectives is to ensure that Subic Bay Freeport is primed and ready to receive increased cargo volumes by adding more ports and wharves. “By doing so, this will yield additional direct and indirect employment, and economic opportunities in and around the Freeport,” he added. Meanwhile, during the Talakayan sa Freeport held at the Terrace Hotel here, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao disclosed that the agency has lined up various development plans that will boost the number of vessel arrivals here. Yambao mentioned that SBMA will undertake the Redevelopment of Boton Wharf which is targeted to commence in 2026, to consist of a new port terminal, and warehouses with cold storage facilities.    

By Sheen Eugenio   A total of 113 farmers from the town of Nampicuan and Quezon in Nueva Ecija graduated SM Foundation Inc. Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) on October 11, 2024, at SM City Cabanatuan. During the 14-week course, the farmers learned effective planting techniques for fruits and vegetables. This improved their harvests and provided organic food for their families. SMFI also helped farmers form associations and connected them with government organizations, local markets, and SM suppliers for a more stable income. SMFI joined with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), St. Isidore The Farmer Learning Center Inc. (SITFLCI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade in Industry (DTI) and leaders from the Local Government of Nampicuan and Quezon. Marilou Pascual, 46 years old, a mother of three, a tricycle driver, and a former bet solicitor is one of the graduates who said that during the training period from August to September, they were able to sell harvested organic vegetables amounting to 16,660 that inspire her to plant and sell more. “I would like to take care of this opportunity given to us by SM Foundation and live with Tatang Henry Sy Sr. life principles. After this graduation, I will plant more crops with my co-graduates to continuously produce more and earn more in the coming days, months, and years,” Pascual said. The KSK-SAP is part of the SM Foundation Inc. which has been serving different communities since 1983, focusing on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for those in need. The foundation serves as the core belief of SM Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility, established by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, while anchoring on the principle “People Helping People”.