Signifying its brand’s importance as a business asset, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) entered the national Top 50 in the 2026 Philippine report of Brand Finance, an independent brand valuation consultancy. In its debut in the Top 50, the AboitizPower brand ranked 26th in brand value and 42nd in brand strength, joining fellow Aboitiz Group business unit UnionBank in the 2026 list. Brand value represents the transferable asset value of a brand, while brand strength evaluates a brand’s ability to drive commercial impact versus competitors. “Beyond its name and logo, the AboitizPower brand is a living expression of the trust, values, and reputation that we’ve built and stewarded over time,” said AboitizPower Vice President for Corporate Affairs Suiee Suarez. “This recognition by Brand Finance highlights that our brand’s strength and economic value resonate with both the people we serve and industry experts.” AboitizPower was also featured in Brand Finance’s “Brands to Watch” section, reflecting its growing relevance in the Philippine energy sector, which is touted to be the fastest growing sector in 2026 in terms of brand value. “The Philippine energy sector is one of the country’s fastest-growing industries from a brand value perspective, reflecting its expanding role in supporting economic growth and energy transition ambitions,” said Alex Haigh, Brand Finance Managing Director Asia Pacific. “AboitizPower’s inclusion among the nation’s top 50 brands demonstrates how companies can create value not only through infrastructure and investment, but also through building a trusted and differentiated brand that resonates with customers, investors, and other stakeholders,” he added. The Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report ranks the country’s strongest and most valuable brands based on a combination of brand strength, stakeholder perceptions, and financial performance. Meanwhile, AboitizPower has also been named one of the “Top 50 Employers in the Philippines” for the second consecutive year by online job-hunting platform Kalibrr. “As the Philippine energy sector evolves, AboitizPower has positioned itself at the center of the country’s transition toward more sustainable and technology-driven solutions,” the Kalibrr website said. “Beyond powering communities, the company has become known for building careers where innovation, leadership, and long-term impact intersect — attracting professionals who want to contribute to work that extends far beyond the office,” it added. The recognition is based on a data-driven evaluation of employer brand, hiring trends, industry impact, and insights from job seekers, recruiters, and third-party sources.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, will resume its direct flights from Davao to Hong Kong and Bangkok (Don Mueang), along with increased frequencies to Iloilo and Siargao, giving travelers greater connectivity from Mindanao. ROUTE START OF OPS WEEKLY FREQ ETD ETA Davao – Hong Kong Oct 25 4x (Mo, We, Fr, Su) 8:20 AM 11:50 AM Hong Kong – Davao 12:35 PM 3:55 PM Davao – Bangkok (Don Mueang) Oct 26 3x (Mo, We, Fr) 5:00 PM 8:30 PM Bangkok (Don Mueang) – Davao 9:15 PM 2:50 AM Starting October 25, CEB will resume its direct flights between Davao and Hong Kong, operating four times weekly – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Meanwhile, direct flights to Don Mueang (Bangkok) will start on October 26, with thrice weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. ADDITIONAL FREQUENCY ROUTE FROM TO Davao – Siargao – Davao 6x weekly 10x weekly Davao – Iloilo – Davao 10x weekly 14x weekly To further strengthen its domestic reach, the airline will also be increasing its Davao-Siargao flights, from 6x weekly to 10x weekly flights, while Davao-Iloilo services will grow from 10x weekly to 14x weekly flights, providing travelers more flexibility and convenient travel options. Travelers from Mindanao can now immerse themselves in Siargao’s laid-back island charm and world-famous surf spots or explore Iloilo’s rich heritage, thriving food culture, and well-preserved historical landmarks. Outside the country, Hong Kong offers visitors unique experiences with its vibrant cityscape and culinary scene, while Thailand highlights its rich cultural heritage and renowned street food. To further encourage travel, CEB also has an ongoing seat sale until August 15. Passengers may book their flights to all domestic and international destinations on sale for as low as PHP 88 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will also be from September 1 to December 31, 2026. CEB operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Passengers can make their journey more convenient by purchasing additional baggage allowance and pre-ordering meals for their flight. CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

  NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — A major step toward energy security, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar has asserted its full support for the implementation of the Department of Energy’s Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) Program. During the Forum on Accelerating Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Government through Solar PV Solutions and E-Mobility, held on August 5, 2026, in Tacloban City, Board Member Emil Nicholas Ongchuan II, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Franchises, signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Energy on behalf of the Provincial Government. This formalizes the province’s partnership with DOE in advancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy initiatives in the province. With other local government units across Region 8 on board, Northern Samar will work closely with the DOE and support the implementation of initiatives under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), which seeks to reduce electricity and fuel consumption in government offices by 10% to 20% while promoting the shift from conventional energy sources to clean and renewable energy. Already advancing this cause, Governor Harris Ongchuan has implemented energy and resource conservation measures in the province. Since March, Executive Order No. 26-03-01 has enforced energy and fuel-saving protocols in provincial government offices, including limiting official travel to essential functions, promoting virtual meetings, regulating the use of electric-powered appliances and devices such as ACs and lighting from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and enhancing monitoring and compliance through the Provincial Government’s Energy Conservation Officer. More recently, Executive Order No. 26-01-01 reintroduced work-from-home schedules and skeleton workforce arrangements in selected offices, offering primary and vital services, to further reduce electricity and fuel consumption while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of public services. As part of the pilot implementation of the SSG-ERPB Program, the DOE will fund and facilitate the installation of an initial 20-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the Provincial Government. The agency will also conduct orientation and capacity-building activities for local officials and technical personnel in the province. According to DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan, they will continue providing technical assistance to LGUs that will decide to expand their renewable energy initiatives beyond the pilot phase. As agreed under the MOU, the Provincial Government is encouraged to promote the installation of rooftop solar PVs on public roofs to power establishments and households, adoption of electric vehicles, use of energy-efficient LED lighting, implementation and streamlining of net metering rules, and strengthening energy conservation practices across communities. With the region-wide partnership and by investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient systems, the Provincial Government strives to achieve greater energy security, lower operational costs, and help mitigate climate change through clean energy solutions, while redirecting its conserved resources toward essential programs and services.

Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), is set to increase its solar power capacity in Negros Occidental to a total of 471-megawatt peak (MWp) once the 239-MWp Luna Solar Power Plant in Barangay Luna, Cadiz City is energized. The project, which broke ground late July, also includes a 65-megawatt battery energy storage system or BESS, making it Aboitiz Renewables’ first integrated renewable energy and storage system on Negros Island. Luna, Aboitiz Renewables’ largest solar undertaking in the Visayas to date, is expected to be fully operational by 2028. “It is both a pleasure and a privilege to host such investment from our good partners, Aboitiz Renewables,” said Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. “It only shows our capability to host, manage, and accept big projects, and it signifies the intention of our city to expand beyond agriculture.” Developed in coordination with local government units and host communities, the Luna project follows the 173-MWp Calatrava Solar Power Plant and the 59-MWp SacaSun facility, demonstrating the area’s significant potential for solar development due to its rich solar irradiance. “Our solar journey began here in Negros Occidental with SacaSun, our very first solar plant in San Carlos City. As we break ground on Project Luna — which will surpass even Calatrava once in operation — returning to this island for our third and biggest project feels like coming home,” said Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy A. Villaroman during a ceremonial event. “Returning to this island is a deliberate choice as Negros Occidental has proven itself an ideal hub for renewable energy, not only because of its natural potential but because of the proactive local policies that allow clean energy projects to move forward with confidence,” he added. With Luna Solar, Aboitiz Renewables’ growing clean energy portfolio is now 45 renewable energy facilities across the Philippines, spanning solar, hydro, and geothermal, as well as energy storage. It continues to expand its presence, backed by a development pipeline of more than 1,800 megawatts in solar, hydro, and wind projects.

By Elvira C. Bongosia   TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines — The Tagbilaran City Government earned a 5-star rating, or Grade A, from the Department of Energy (DOE) for its energy and fuel conservation program. The city scored 96 out of 100 in the DOE energy audit, placing it in the highest rating category. GEMP is a mandatory government program that requires national agencies, local governments, and government-owned and controlled corporations to reduce monthly electricity and fuel consumption in their facilities by at least 10% to 20%. It also requires conservation measures, regular spot checks, and data submission through the GEMP Online System. The program supports the energy efficiency targets under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050, the Marcos administration’s long-term energy roadmap, which sets higher efficiency goals for the public and private sectors. City General Services Office (CGSO) head Chris John Rener Torralba accepted the rating from the DOE assessment team following its evaluation of the Tagbilaran City Hall and the Sangguniang Panlungsod building. “This achievement reflects Tagbilaran City’s strong commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and responsible resource management,” Torralba said. Torralba commended CGSO employees who prepared the documents for the audit, along with City Hall departments and offices that complied with the city’s fuel and electricity conservation policies. He also thanked Mayor Jane Yap, Vice Mayor Adam Jala and Rep. John Geesnell Yap II for their support of the city’s energy efficiency initiatives. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government signed an agreement establishing a Php30.8-million ($500,000) law enforcement training program, demonstrating the United States’s commitment to working with the Philippines to deter terrorist threats against Americans and Filipinos. Under the agreement, the U.S. Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program will provide permanent and dedicated training facilities in Pagadian City to host recurring specialized training courses for the Philippine National Police (PNP). “This investment in Pagadian reflects our confidence in the PNP and our conviction that a safer, more capable PNP means a safer Philippines, a safer United States, and a stronger Alliance between our two nations,” said Daniel Art, the U.S. Embassy’s Acting Senior Regional Security Officer. Since 2006, the United States has facilitated ATA courses for more than 10,000 Filipino law enforcement personnel that helped improve their capabilities to investigate, respond to, and mitigate terrorist threats and incidents.  An estimated 2,000 PNP, as well as other law enforcement personnel, are expected to train at these new facilities in Pagadian every year. “This partnership will enhance the capabilities of our law enforcers in deterring and preventing acts of terrorism.  It will strengthen the security and stability of our government not only in the province of Zamboanga del Sur but most especially in Mindanao and even the whole country,” said Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Divina Grace Yu. As the United States and the Philippines also commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties, this enhanced partnership will work to secure the two countries’ ties for years to come.  

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — Lapinig, Northern Samar’s boundary municipality with Eastern Samar and home to 15 barangays, was formally declared under the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on July 28, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the province’s sustained pursuit of lasting peace, security, and development. Once known as an insurgency hotspot, Northern Samar has made significant strides in restoring peace and stability with Lapinig’s declaration, the third municipality in the Second Congressional District to attain the status, joining Laoang and San Roque. At present, 17 of the province’s 24 municipalities have now achieved SIPSC status, leaving seven municipalities continuing their efforts toward the same milestone. The declaration was marked by the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Pledge of Commitment, reaffirming the collective resolve of national and local government agencies, security forces, and community leaders to uphold peace and strengthen public safety. A landmark in Northern Samar’s peace and development journey, the event was graced by Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan; Lapinig Mayor Romualdo A. Menzon Jr., along with other LGU officials and department heads; Rev. Fr. Cleofas Añonuevo, Priest of St. Bonaventure Parish; Mapanas Mayor Ronn Michael L. Tejano; Jipapad Mayor Benjamin E. Ver; Major General Peter B. Burgonio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; 803rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGEN Carmelito T. Pangatungan; 80th IB Commander LTCol Tim C. Clavel; NSPPO Provincial Director PCOL George B. Buyacao Jr.; BFP OIC Provincial Fire Marshal FSINSP Darwin D. Orsolino; DILG Provincial Dir. Geraldine C. Maquelabit; MLGOO Romie B. Horca, and other stakeholders, whose presence has deepened the province’s shared commitment to sustaining peace, strengthening local governance, and fostering closer collaboration among government institutions and communities.

CEBU, Philippines — Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Thursday announced plans to establish what could become the first provincial government-run Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the Provincial PWD Month Celebration. The proposed rehabilitation center will be housed inside the Provincial Capitol’s Wellness Center, which is currently undergoing renovation. It will also serve as home of the Provincial Disability Affairs Division (PDAD). With the theme, “Rights First, Legislation Forward – Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,” the celebration was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. As part of the celebration, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) provided free health and wellness services, including medical consultations, blood sugar testing, uric acid and cholesterol screening, as well as the distribution of reading glasses and multivitamins to participating PWDs. In her message, Gov. Baricuatro emphasized that advancing the welfare of persons with disabilities should remain a year-round commitment. “As we gather for this closing celebration, I don’t see this as the end of the PWD Month. I believe this is just the beginning. Because promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of people with disabilities is not a one-month responsibility. It is something we must uphold every single day,” the governor said. She also administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers of the PWD Federation. Outgoing federation officers were recognized for their service and dedication through the awarding of Plaques of Appreciation. Board Member Dason Lorenz Lagon, Chairman of the Committee on Differently-Abled Persons, presented the orientation on the Provincial Disability Affairs Division (PDAD), highlighting its renewed direction of providing stronger coordination and more responsive services for the PWD community. “Our office will not simply be an administrative office; it will become a place where PWDs are heard and respected—a bridge connecting the PWD community to government services and opportunities, an advocate for accessible programs in education, employment, healthcare, and livelihood, and a partner in ensuring that laws protecting persons with disabilities are fully implemented and felt at the grassroots level,” Lagon said. Meanwhile, Dr. Jera Armendarez, Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center Training Superintendent of DSWD-7, discussed disability awareness and the services offered through the agency’s Non-Residential Facility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Also present was Chief of Staff Ricci Reluya, representing Board Member Lakambini Reluya, Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Family, and Minors.    

By Maria Vervee V. Enriquez   ISABELA CITY, BASILAN, Philippines — To ease the financial burden on families and promote inclusive education, the Local Government of Isabela City has launched the ‘Libreng Isa-Kayan’ transport program, providing free shuttle services for learners. The initiative, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, aims to offer safe, direct, and comfortable zero-cost transportation for young Isabeleños, addressing the rising costs of daily commuting to school. Mayor Hataman emphasized the importance of accessible transportation among learners. “So, libre pong sumakay dito,” she said, highlighting that students can now ride the shuttle for free. The free shuttle service primarily targets routes connecting residential areas to school zones, ensuring maximum attendance and convenience. The shuttle begins operation at 6:30 AM, traveling from Barangay Baluno through Plaza Misericordia to Barangay Cabunbata, with loops designed to serve students during both morning and afternoon peak hours. By removing daily transportation expenses, the city government aims to reduce household costs, particularly for low-income families, and make education more accessible for all students. “We look forward na maibsan kahit konti ‘yung gastos ng ating mga estudyante, and of course ‘yung kanilang mga magulang,” Mayor Turabin-Hataman added, reaffirming the city’s commitment to family welfare and educational support. The city government highlighted that beyond facilitating daily commutes, the ‘Libreng Isa-Kayan’ program symbolizes a broader investment in student welfare and inclusive development, ensuring every Isabeleño student has a safe and reliable ride to school, paving the way for a brighter future (JPA/NDR/MVE/PIA BASILAN with reports from LGU Isabela City)