Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio with Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. President Charles Lim during the Sports Tourism Forum Cebu at NUSTAR Resort Cebu.   Cebu City, Philippines— Industry leaders, and stakeholders gathered at NUSTAR Resort Cebu for the successful staging of the Sports Tourism Forum 2026, marking a significant step in the Philippines’ push to elevate sports tourism as a key pillar of tourism  growth. Bringing together an impressive roster of speakers and panelists from across the sports and tourism landscape, the forum created a strong sense of alignment among participants. A clear direction emerged from the discussions: sports tourism is rapidly evolving into a high-impact sector capable of driving visitor arrivals, investment, and regional development. Throughout the forum, speakers emphasized that global travel patterns are shifting, with more travelers seeking immersive, experience-driven journeys anchored on shared interests such as sports. Charles Lim, President and COO of Sports Turismo Alliance Inc., highlighted this shift, noting the rising appeal of sport-motivated travel and the growing number of travelers planning trips around sporting events and activities in the coming year. The Philippines is positioning itself to take advantage of this momentum. In his keynote message, Patrick Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, shared the country’s vision of becoming a leading sports tourism destination in the region. He pointed to the Philippines’ natural advantages, including a strong sports culture, diverse destinations, and the ability to host events year-round, as well as ongoing efforts to better align government initiatives through a unified, inter-agency approach, the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee. Cebu, in particular, was highlighted as an emerging hub for sports tourism, with its combination of natural attractions and event-ready venues making it an ideal host for international competitions. The forum underscored how events can serve as powerful economic drivers, especially when they attract not just participants but also accompanying visitors who contribute to local businesses and extend their stay. As Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events, shared, sporting events bring in fresh economic activity that directly benefits host communities. Other speakers also stressed that the true value of sports tourism lies in transforming events into holistic destination experiences. OIC-Regional Director of DOT-7, Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas noted that sporting events go beyond competition and create meaningful visitor experiences. A recurring theme throughout the Forum was the importance of collaboration. Mr Lim emphasized that building a sustainable sports tourism industry requires coordination among government agencies, event organizers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities. He also highlighted the need for continued investment in infrastructure and event capabilities to ensure that destinations can meet the demands of large-scale, world-class sporting events. The Forum attracted participants, not only from across the Philippines, but also from Thailand, United Kingdom, Turkey. Malaysia, Germany and South Korea. It was supported by NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu, Department of Tourism Central Visayas, Province of Cebu, Philippine Sports Commission, The Freeman, Islands Souvenirs and professionally managed by Selrahco. for Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc.    

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines —  In the quiet farms of Northern Samar, abaca is more than just a crop; it is the primary source of income for many Nortehanon families. From planting to stripping the fiber, abaca farming provides food on the table and supports the education of children. Today, the province stands as one of the top abaca producers in Eastern Visayas, supplying nearly 65% of the region’s total output. In 2025 alone, Northern Samar produced 6,766.16 metric tons of fiber, reflecting the strength of an industry built on hard work and dedication. With more than 12,000 hectares of plantations, abaca in Northern Samar has evolved from a traditional crop into a symbol of growth and opportunity. The province has invested in processing centers, farmer training programs, and technical guidance, turning its abaca industry into a hub of livelihood, innovation, and sustainable development that benefits both local communities and the global market. Reinforcing this vision, the Provincial Government through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), in coordination with the Silvino Municipal Tourism Office, conducted a site inspection of Silvino Lubos, known for its rich abaca resources, as part of its initiative to establish the proposed Ibabao Abaca Industrial Park. The proposed site spanning 3 to 5 hectares, provides ample space for processing facilities and support infrastructure. Its strategic location and accessibility make it a strong candidate for abaca-based enterprises while also offering opportunities for farm tourism, such as farm visits, product demonstrations, and cultural experiences that benefit the local community. This initiative highlights the importance of inter-agency support in assessing the viability and potential of the project. With strong production output and emerging industrial opportunities, abaca is seen more than an economic crop but also a lifeline that sustains families, strengthens communities, and shapes the future of Northern Samar. From the hands of dedicated farmers to the industrial hubs, the abaca fiber continues to weave opportunities for generations of Nortehanons. Source: PEDIPO

Residents in the country’s most isolated barangays are now accessing safe, potable water at costs reduced by more than 50%, according to a recent report of the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), the office created by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in 2023 under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to harmonize national water security. For residents served by local water districts, the WRMO has provided high-grade refilling equipment. With the barangays getting drinking water in-situ, retail price of drinking water was slashed to a fixed P15 per 5-gallon container, nearly half the commercial rate. In 2025, these equipment have been installed in remote water districts in Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Cagayan. The barangays collect the fees which are then used for maintenance and operation of the water system. In addition, remote island communities in Romblon, Sorsogon, Occidental Mindoro, Bohol, and Zamboanga City that previously paid between P50 and P70 for a 5-gallon container are now accessing safe water for just P20 to P25 under the WRMO’s Water Filtration Program. In 2026, two (2) additional sites are already operational in Bohol and Bulacan while the remaining sites are nearing completion, such as those selected in Zamboanga City, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Eastern Samar. DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna credited these operational gains to the vision of President Marcos, Jr., adding that these results are the product of the President’s direct “marching orders” to improve processes and strengthen monitoring.  “The creation of the WRMO under the President’s mandate has allowed us to move from being mere regulators to being systems-builders,” he added. Proven Technical Milestones Beyond immediate cost savings, the agency has utilized scientific precision to secure long-term supply through the following achievements: Precision Surveys: As of May 2025, the DENR has completed 66 georesistivity site surveys at no cost to local governments, a technical service valued at P23.1 million. These surveys identify viable groundwater resources before drilling, which “reduces uncertainty and minimizes potential risks” for community projects. Alternative Source Development: The agency has successfully launched the Infiltration Gallery Project, which taps into naturally filtered subsurface river flows (hyporheic zone) to provide sustainable water for 79,420 beneficiaries. Geospatial Oversight: Utilizing the National Natural Resource Geospatial Database, the DENR now maps all natural assets to ensure that national infrastructure development is grounded in hard data. The 2026 Tactical Roadmap By the end of 2026, the WRMO’s cumulative efforts are projected to provide safe water access to a total of 440,904 individuals nationwide. The 2026 phase is backed by a P256.9 million allocation to reach 220,027 new beneficiaries. Key expectations for 2026 include: Infrastructure Expansion: The deployment of high-performance filtration and desalination systems to 59 additional barangays in water-stressed regions like Bohol, Palawan, Cebu, and Masbate. Institutional Support: Providing financial assistance to 13 additional Water Districts to extend service grids into unserved outskirt barangays. Upland Resilience: Completing spring water systems in 11 additional sites, with 2026 installations featuring a micro-hydropower component to provide simultaneous water and energy solutions. (DENR Post)

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗱𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 BORONGAN CITY, Philippines The City of Borongan is nearing the fruition of its enhanced nature-based solutions (NbS) to community climate risks with the Learning and Project Close-Out event held for the Climate Resilient Cities Nature-based Urban Resilience Through Unifying and Responsive Engagement (CRC NURTURE) project in Legazpi City from March 16-18. One of the highlights of the event was its Learning from Cities component, where Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda served as a panelist alongside Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail and Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso. In his presentation, Mayor Agda shared Borongans existing NbS solutions, including its Former Rebels to Forest Rangers program, tree-planting requirement for civil unions, and engagements with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund and the Peoples Survival Fund, among others. He also expressed his gratitude to the CRC-NURTURE collective for choosing Borongan as one of its project recipients, noting that their support will be instrumental in realizing Borongans vision of an inclusive climate resilience plan that harnesses its natural resources as part of the holistic risk solution. On Day 3 of the close-out event, Mayor Agda, CENRO Head For. Jojito Acla, and City Administrator Atty. Romeo Alexis Devora joined the visit to Ibalong Park, where they each planted saplings to demonstrate their commitment to the CRC-NURTURE partnership. The three-day event was likewise attended by CRS Country Representative Mr. Jonas Tetangco; Director Elenida Basug of the DENR Climate Change Service; CRS Head of Programming Ms. Maria Conception Nobleza; Director Ibani Padao of the DHSUD Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development (ELUPD) Bureau; and Mr. Alan Silayan, CRC Project Chief of Party. As part of its undertaking with CRC-NURTURE, the Borongan City Government submitted a proposal for the upgrading of its native beach forest nursery along Baybay Boulevard that is set to provide a steady supply of indigenous seedlings for coastal forest expansion, on top of the development of an adjacent green open space that will serve as a community hub for tourism and recreation. Aside from its proposed two-component Baybay Boulevard project, Borongans partnership with CRC-NURTURE also bore positive outcomes in a series of capacity-building initiatives. The risk communication workshop held at Prim Hotel from February 24-26, in particular, is slated to roll out its IEC materials to select climate risk-vulnerable Borongan communities. CRC Nurture is an initiative funded by the United Kingdoms Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Program aimed at boosting climate resilience in Philippine cities by co-creating inclusive and nature-based solutions that empower local communities. Borongan is one of only three cities across the country selected by the CRC-NURTURE team to receive its support in mounting localized nature-based solutions and capacity-building projects, joining Zamboanga and Legazpi City. (Borongan City-PIO)

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through its Provincial Tourism Office, marked its first participation in the International Travel Festival 2026 held at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu City. The International Travel Festival (ITF) is recognized as one of the country’s most important tourism trade events, bringing together travel destinations, tour operators, airlines, hospitality groups, and tourism stakeholders from across the Philippines and the international market.   By participating in this event, Northern Samar strengthens its presence in the national tourism industry while promoting the province’s emerging destinations to a wider audience. The choice of venue—the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel —is significant. Located at the heart of Cebu’s business and tourism district, the hotel is one of the region’s largest convention and exhibition venues. It has long served as a hub for major national and international gatherings, providing an ideal platform where destinations, travel enterprises, and tourism decision-makers converge. Holding the festival in this venue underscores the scale and importance of the event as a meeting ground for industry leaders and tourism promoters. Northern Samar’s participation in the festival reflects the province’s commitment to expanding its tourism market by connecting with the large influx of travelers visiting Cebu each year. As one of the country’s busiest travel gateways, Cebu presents an opportunity for Northern Samar to invite tourists to explore the province’s pristine beaches, island communities, eco-tourism sites, and rich cultural heritage. Through engagements with tour operators, travel agencies, and tourism stakeholders, the province aims to encourage travelers to extend their journeys beyond Cebu and discover the unique experiences that Northern Samar has to offer. During the opening ceremony, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro warmly welcomed exhibitors and participants, expressing her support and encouragement for destinations across the country to collaborate in strengthening the Philippines’ tourism industry. Equally important in strengthening tourism connectivity between the two destinations are the direct flights operated by Philippine Airlines between Catarman National Airport and Mactan–Cebu International Airport. These regular flights significantly reduce travel time and provide convenient access for both domestic and international travelers arriving in Cebu who wish to explore Northern Samar. Improved air connectivity plays a crucial role in boosting tourism, facilitating travel, and strengthening tourism circuits between Cebu and Northern Samar. As Northern Samar continues to position itself as an emerging destination in Eastern Visayas, its presence at the International Travel Festival signals a forward-looking approach—one that seeks to build connections, inspire travel, and invite the world to experience the natural beauty and authentic culture of the province.

DAVAO, Philippines – As the United States and the Philippines celebrate 80 years of diplomatic ties, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing honored Filipino war veterans at a Congressional Gold Medal awarding ceremony, the first of its kind in Tagum and second time in Mindanao. In Davao, he deepened economic and people-to-people ties in meetings with public and private sector leaders as well as students. In Tagum, Chargé d’Affaires Ewing joined Philippine Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib at the 45th presentation of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal. It is the highest civilian honor conferred by the U.S. Congress.  The awards delivered in Tagum were signed into law with the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. These Congressional Gold Medals recognize the valor and sacrifice of Filipino veterans who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. forces to turn the tide in the Pacific during World War II. The first-ever Congressional Gold Medal was approved by the Continental Congress in 1776 and awarded to George Washington, a remarkable example of the deeply interwoven history of the United States and the Philippines as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. “When their nation called, they stepped forward.  They answered,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ewing.  “And in doing so, they not only shaped the course of history but also forged the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States – a relationship built on shared sacrifice, mutual trust, and deeply held values.” “The number of living Filipino World War II veterans continues to decline with each passing day, but through commemoration activities and recognition such as the awarding of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II veterans, their heroic legacy will live on,” said Undersecretary Mapagu. In Davao, Chargé d’Affaires Ewing toured the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao in the People’s Park with City Councilors Rachel Zozobrado and Ragde Niño Ibuyan, Davao City Investment Promotion Center Officer in Charge April Marie Dayap, and a group of Philippine alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. The visit was an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the rich heritage and natural resources of Davao City and Mindanao while also discussing partnership opportunities to promote U.S.-Philippines prosperity. The Davao City officials expressed interest in exploring trade and investment opportunities, education and exchange programs, and revitalizing sister city relationships. Chargé d’Affaires Ewing also took a moment for a group photo with the City Councilors in front of the iconic Davao City Hall, which celebrates its 100th anniversary, sharing a connection with the U.S. Embassy in Manila, as both buildings were designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano. At a General Membership Meeting of the Mindanao chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce, Chargé d’Affaires Ewing spoke about efforts to enhance supply chain resilience and expand energy cooperation, and underscored opportunities for two-way trade and investment including the upcoming SelectUSA Investment Summit, a Trump Administration priority initiative to promote investment into the United States. Chargé d’Affaires Ewing placed a spotlight on U.S.-Philippines education partnerships when visiting Filipino participants in the U.S. Embassy’s English Access Scholarship Program, a two-year, intensive after-school program that enhances academic and employment opportunities for public school students aged 13 to 15 through American excellence in English language instruction. “Chargé d’Affaires Ewing’s visit to the 50 English Access Scholarship Program students highlights the strong commitment to youth development and educational partnership.  His presence affirms the scholars’ potential and inspires them to strive for excellence, leaving a lasting impact,” said Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Reynante Solitario. “The United States and the Philippines share more than an ironclad Alliance,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ewing.  “We share a deep and enduring friendship and a commitment to partnerships that deliver concrete benefits for the American people while strengthening the bonds between our two nations.”    

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), through Executive Director Usec. Ernesto C. Torres Jr., has joined the growing call for justice for civilians killed in Negros Island, following reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) that 28 individuals has been slain since March 2025, an average of two civilians murdered every month. “This pattern of killings is deeply alarming and morally indefensible. When two civilians are being murdered every month on one island alone, we are no longer speaking of isolated incidents, we are confronting a sustained campaign of terror,” Torres said. According to the 3ID report, the most recent victim was an elderly woman shot outside her home in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. She was allegedly accused by the New People’s Army (NPA) of being linked to a previous encounter between government troops and communist rebels. Torres stressed that branding civilians as informants or “spies” without due process effectively paints a target on their backs. “This is the deadly consequence of so-called ‘spy-tagging.’ Once labeled by the communist terrorist group as a traitor or government asset, a civilian becomes a marked individual — condemned without trial, without evidence, without humanity,” Torres emphasized. He recalled the earlier killing of Lola Leonor Aguit, an elderly civilian mercilessly slained after being publicly accused by communist elements. Her death, he said, reflects a ruthless pattern of executions carried out against defenseless individuals. “The killing of Lola Leonor Aguit shocked the conscience of the nation. An elderly woman — publicly vilified, then brutally silenced. That is not armed struggle. That is terrorism inflicted on one’s own people,” Torres said. Torres warned that the steady average of two fatalities per month signals a disturbing normalization of violence in communities already burdened by poverty and insecurity. “Two civilians every month is not a statistic — it is a family shattered, a community traumatized, and a future stolen. Violence has no place in communities that are striving for peace and development,” he stressed. He echoed the call of the 3ID urging the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the killings. “We respectfully urge the CHR to look squarely into these crimes. Human rights must apply equally to all. The rights of farmers, elderly women, laborers, and ordinary community members in Negros deserve the same vigilance and protection as any other Filipino,” he said. Torres underscored that the country must reject any narrative that justifies violence against civilians under the guise of ideology. “This is not revolutionary justice. This is vigilante execution masquerading as ideology. It is a gross violation of the most fundamental right, the right to life.” “Justice must never be selective. Silence in the face of these killings only emboldens further bloodshed. We stand with the families of the victims and demand accountability. The blood of civilians must never be trivialized as collateral to ideology,” Torres concluded. The NTF-ELCAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and exposing practices that endanger innocent lives under the cloak of insurgent propaganda. (PR)        

Negros Occidental, Philippines – Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NONECO) has officially entered into a 30-megawatt (MW) power supply agreement with Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) through Aboitiz Solar Power Inc. (ASPI) and GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC). Following a successful Competitive Selection Process, AboitizPower will provide a diversified energy mix to NONECO, consisting of a 10-MW mid-merit supply from ASPI and a 20-MW baseload requirement from GMEC to meet the cooperative’s core demand, helping stabilize electricity costs and reliability in its service area. “The steady supply at competitive rates ensures continuous support for local growth and enhanced quality of life as our region evolves, fostering a prosperous future for the businesses and communities we serve,” said Nicolas U. Camara, NONECO Board President. “We are excited about this long-term deal as it aligns with our commitment in helping address unique power requirements across all service areas,” added Engr. Wilbe B. Bilbao, NONECO General Manager. NONECO serves the municipalities of Victorias (now a city), Manapla and Cadiz City. At present, its service area coverage has expanded to include the cities of Sagay, Escalante and San Carlos, as well as the towns of Toboso, E.B. Magalona and Calatrava. “At the core of this partnership is trust. We are honored that NONECO has chosen AboitizPower to deliver a 30 MW combined supply that will sustain communities and business alike,” said Gerard Roxas, AboitizPower Wholesale Vice President for Commercial Planning and Portfolio Management. “By supplying dependable baseload power and solar energy, we are providing a balanced solution that addresses the dual need for sustainability and reliability.”                        

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Philippines — In celebration of the Araw ng mga Kasambahay, the Provincial Government in collaboration with DOLE, PSA, SSS, PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG, TESDA, NSDWCC, and IBP, brought free essential and wellness services especially for Nortehanon domestic workers at the Provincial Capitol Gym, Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, on February 18. Our beloved household companions engaged in a day of self-care, filled with fun and relaxation as they availed different services ranging from haircut, manicure, pedicure, massage, to health, skills development, legal, employment, insurance, and loan programs and services. In the same event, identified Kasambahay beneficiaries received livelihood package including gas stoves, oven, water dispenser, food display racks, kitchenware and more. Meanwhile, TUPAD beneficiaries also received livelihood assistance under DOLE’s cash for work program. Symbolic of his appreciaiton for the sector, Governor Harris Ongchuan joined the gathering, with DOLE Regional Director Atty. Dax Villaruel, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Joan Noya-Nidua, SP Committee Chair on Labor and Employment Board Member Gina Ong-Silvano, Regional Kasambahay Focal Katherine Singzon, NSPESO Manager Rose Anne Suan, DOLE Northern Samar head Engr. Primo Guarin and representatives of participating agencies. The Araw ng Kasambahay is a meaningful celebration that acknowledges the contribution of domestic workers in our communities and homes. With the strong teamwork of the Provincial Government, National Government, and Civil Society Organizations, we have offered the best gift in this special day – services that strengthened their protection and promote their rights, well-being, and welfare.