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Taiwan extends microfinancing to garlic growers, processors in Laoag

Garlic growers and processors benefit from a microfinancing program supported by Taiwan, providing farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs greater access to capital.

This situation is expected to improve productivity, expand operations, and enhance the competitiveness of the local garlic industry.

Eric Pin Yu Chen, representative for the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines, said that at least 10 garlic incubatees (startup companies) have been selected so far this year for the grant.

‘Each incubatee received P240,000. The amount can be used to start their business or to improve it,’ he said in an interview at the Garlic Incubation Center.

The center is located at the Tabacalera compound in front of Museo Iloco in this city.

According to Chen, the financial assistance, locally known as ‘Sagut ti Bawang,’ an Ilokano term meaning ‘a gift from garlic,’ aims to provide incubation support to qualified beneficiaries.

The fund will be used by the local entrepreneurs during the start-up phase of their proposed product or until it is ready for commercialization.

Some of the products are now being showcased at the center, including pickled garlic, garlic seasoning, garlic candy and chips, among others.

He announced plans to extend the assistance to 10 garlic incubatees each year or until the garlic project being assisted by Taiwan is completed by the end of 2029.

After a year, the beneficiaries are expected to return the investment, not the exact amount borrowed, but in kind or through their developed and improved products.

The market-ready products will then be connected with prospective buyers to expand their market niche.

Chen hopes that innovation and partnership with agencies like the Ilocos Norte provincial government will strengthen the garlic value chain by helping farmers and processors adopt better practices, cut post-harvest losses, and boost product value.

Improved access to financing is also expected to encourage the adoption of modern technologies and support the expansion of small agricultural enterprises.

Judy Viernes, a farmer and garlic processor from Sarrat town, said he is grateful for the assistance.

He said it was a blessing in disguise that he met the Taiwan group during a garlic meeting with farmers at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Council in this city.

He said easier access to credit and expert guidance in product development boosted his confidence to venture into pickled garlic as a value-added product.

These factors enabled him to improve his garlic-based products through assessment, safety, packaging, labeling and regulations,

Like fellow beneficiaries who participated in the business pitching program and business plan preparation training, Viernes hopes his value-added product will increase his income and create more opportunities for growth.

The partnership also underscores ongoing agricultural cooperation between the Philippines and Taiwan, particularly in advancing rural development, supporting smallholder farmers, and improving food production.

President reviews fisheries projects, priorities for 2027 Budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this week eviewed the implementation of projects funded under the 2026 Budget for the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry and discussed priorities for next year’s Budget, with a focus on strengthening fisheries infrastructure, increasing production and supporting fishing communities.

The discussion, held at the Presidential Secretariat, examined the progress of recurrent and capital expenditure undertaken this year by institutions operating under the Ministry, as part of the Government’s preparations for the 2027 Budget.

The review covered the performance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC), Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC), Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd., and the Central Fish Market Complex.

Extensive discussions were held on programs aimed at increasing fish production and exports, ensuring an adequate supply of fish to meet the country’s nutritional requirements and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities, while also outlining priorities for 2027.

The President also reviewed the progress of several key infrastructure projects, including the Myliddy Fishery Harbour Development Project, development work at Gandara Fishery Harbour, the construction of the Rekawa Fishery Anchorage, and the modernisation and rehabilitation of the Karainagar Boat Yard.

The meeting further assessed the progress of research and development initiatives undertaken by the Ministry and considered funding requirements for these programmes under the 2027 Budget.

Attention was also given to the reconstruction of fishery harbours damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and ongoing efforts to restore the livelihoods of affected fishing communities.

The President reviewed the implementation of a Rs. 189 million program to provide boats, fishing nets and other equipment to fishermen affected by the disaster, with the aim of accelerating the recovery of the fisheries sector.

The discussion also examined progress under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative to recycle decommissioned fishing boats and other fibreglass waste, supporting environmental sustainability within the fisheries industry.

Winners of the 2026 Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards

The Inquirer Group of Companies recognized the winners of the 2026 Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards at a ceremony at the Sheraton Manila Hotel last night, July 22. Now in its second year, the Awards celebrated 30 sustainability initiatives for their leadership and significant measurable contributions towards advancing the Environment, Social, and Governance landscape in the Philippines.

Out of the 30 recognized initiatives, 19 earned Gold awards while 11 received Silver awards. Two companies also took home the coveted Grand Winner title for garnering the highest overall scores from the judging panel and setting the benchmark for ESG excellence in the country. Except for Gold winners under the Governance category and Water Management and Efficiency subcategory, all Gold winners will move forward to compete and represent the Philippines at the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards in Malaysia this November.

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY (Sustainable Ecosystems / Biodiversity Conservation)

Gold winners

PLCs/ large companies: Energy Development Corporation

Mainstreaming Philippine Native Trees: A journey from species rediscovery to extinction rescue

MSMEs: Far Eastern University, Alabang

Redefining Campus Sustainability: FEU Alabang’s Data-Driven Blueprint for ESG Excellence

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: Ayala Land Inc.

Forest Restoration and Wildlife Protection at Ayala Land Carbon Forest

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY (Water Management and Efficiency)

Gold winners

PLCs and large companies: JT International Asia Manufacturing Corp.

Cutting Water Use by Half: A Practical Shift to Smarter Operations

MSMEs: Far Eastern University, Alabang

FEU Alabang: A Model for Water Efficiency Excellence

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: Jollibee Group

Jollibee Group’s Project Hugas

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY (Waste Management and Responsible Consumption, Production and Manufacturing)

Gold winner

PLCs and large companies: Jollibee Group

Zero Waste in Action: Transforming Manufacturing Through Circular Solutions

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies:

SM Retail

SM Green Finds

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY (Renewable Energy)

Gold winners

PLCs and large companies: Energy Development Corp.

Road to 50: The Compounding Value of Geo 24/7

MSMEs: Far Eastern University, Alabang

Powering the Future: FEU Alabang’s 100% Renewable Energy Breakthrough

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: Meralco PowerGen Corp.

MGEN Launches 3 New Solar Sites in 1st Quarter of 2025

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY (Energy Efficiency)

Gold winners

PLCs and large companies: Jollibee Group

Jollibee Group’s Project Scale Up

MSMEs: Far Eastern University, Alabang

FEU Alabang: A Model for Energy Efficiency Excellence

SOCIAL CATEGORY (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

Gold winner

PLCs and large companies: Mynt, Inc.

Rewriting the Code: How Mynt Operationalized Diversity for Women in Tech

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: SM Investments Corporation

Inclusive Growth Through Equal Opportunity and Meritocracy

SOCIAL CATEGORY (Relations with Local Communities)

Gold winners

PLCs and large companies: Aboitiz Power Corporation

KaBamboohayan: Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Bamboo and Watershed Stewardship

MSMEs: Far Eastern University, Alabang

Empowering Communities: FEU Alabang’s Model for Inclusive and Sustainable Impact

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: Meralco PowerGen Corporation

MTerra Solar CSR ‘Radiance of Progress’

SOCIAL CATEGORY (Talent Management)

Gold winner

PLCs and large companies: SM Investments Corporation

Building a Sustainability-Driven Workforce Through the SM Sustainability School

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: East West Banking Corporation

Built on People, Driven by Purpose: How EastWest Academy Advances Decent Work and Inclusive Growth Across the Organization

SOCIAL CATEGORY (Good Health and Wellbeing)

Gold winners

PLCs and large companies: SM Investments Corporation

Bringing Healthcare Within Reach: SM Foundation’s Community Health Systems Initiative

MSMEs: Generika Drugstore

Generika Drugstore’s Ginhawang Barangayan

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: AC Health

Transforming Health through Public-Private Partnerships

GOVERNANCE CATEGORY (Governance, Reporting and Transparency)

Gold winner

PLCs and large companies: Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

Maynilad’s Integrated ESG Reporting System: Strengthening Governance, Assurance, and Market Transparency

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: Newport World Resorts

Governing Sustainability: How Newport World Resorts Institutionalised Environmental Accountability Through I LOVE Earth and EarthCheck Certification

OTHERS (Innovative Partnership)

Gold winners

PLCs and large companies: Concentrix Philippines

Unified for Impact: How Concentrix and Partners Safeguard the Filipino Workforce Pipeline

MSMEs: Lhoopa Inc.

Enabling Affordable Homeownership through Technology and Partnerships

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies: BDO Foundation

Empowering Filipinos through strategic, scalable, and sustainable financial education programs

OTHERS (Transformation)

Gold winner

PLCs and large companies: SM Prime Holdings Inc.

SM Waste Free Future

Silver winner

PLCs and large companies:Bank of the Philippine Islands

BPI’s Inclusive Transformation for Economic Growth

GRAND WINNERS

Most Outstanding ESG Initiative, PLCs: Concentrix

Zamboanga City suspends classes due to rains, floods

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools on Thursday due to persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat), which caused flooding in parts of the locality.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast cloudy skies with scattered rain showers, prompting the local government to prioritize public safety.

As of 8 a.m., the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ZCDRRMO) issued an advisory warning motorists and commuters to avoid the junction of Veterans Avenue leading to LTO Sta. Barbara and Southern City Colleges Main Campus due to ankle- to knee-deep floodwaters.

ZCDRRMO Chief Elmeir Apolinario told the Inquirer via Messenger that while four-wheel vehicles could still pass, tricycles and single motorcycles risk stalling in submerged sections.

‘We encourage everyone to use alternate routes whenever possible, drive with extreme caution, and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas unless absolutely necessary,’ Apolinario said.

Authorities reminded residents to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories, and use these emergency hotlines in case of urgent situations: 911, 955-9601, 990-1171, or mobile numbers 0966-7316242, 0955-0043682, and 0928-8966279.

Apolinario emphasized that precautionary measures are necessary as scattered rains could trigger localized flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.

Lacson flags ‘double appropriation’ for same Taguig slope project

Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson flagged a possible ‘double appropriation’ involving two P100-million allocations that appeared to cover the same slope protection project in Taguig City.

‘From P2.085B as earlier reported, we found three P100-M additional slope protection projects for a new total of P2.385B insertions under the 2025 GAA. Two items appear to be double appropriations, involving two (2)-P100M for the same slope protection project. One of the two must be ghost,’ Lacson said Wednesday in a post on X.

Lacson earlier said his team had documented at least two case studies involving suspected ‘ghost’ infrastructure projects in Taguig, the political bailiwick of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

Prior to this, Lacson flagged several slope protection and drainage projects in the city, mostly worth P100 million each, totaling a combined P2.085 billion out of what he claimed were P6.79 billion in insertions under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Of the P6.79-billion budget insertions under the 2025 GAA, Lacson said that 68 out of the 70 projects had been implemented while two projects involving P75 million remained unreleased or unobligated.

Lacson has vowed to pursue his investigation to its ‘logical conclusion’ amid his continuing public feud with Cayetano.

The Inquirer also sought comment from Cayetano and his team regarding this but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Meanwhile, Cayetano has previously denied that there are ghost projects in the city and challenged Lacson to also investigate other cities, not to single Taguig out.

The National Bureau of Investigation has also started looking into the alleged ghost infrastructure projects in Taguig following Lacson’s claims.

Some of the projects being scrutinized date back to 2019 and 2020, when Cayetano served as speaker of the House of Representatives

Delivery driver shot dead after highway dispute in Bukidnon

A request to share the road took a fatal turn Wednesday afternoon when a 31-year-old delivery driver was gunned down following a traffic altercation in Barangay Vintar, Valencia City in Bukidnon.

The incident happened after the victim, traveling in an Isuzu Elf truck along Kapalong Road toward San Fernando, encountered a motorcycle allegedly not in the proper lane.

According to the Valencia City Police Station (CPS), the victim asked the motorcycle driver – who was traveling with his wife and daughter – to yield. The request angered the motorcycle driver, who later glared at the victim as the truck was unloading deliveries at a One Stop Shop in Purok 5, before continuing toward San Fernando.

Minutes later, another unidentified man arrived at the shop to confront the victim over the traffic dispute. The argument quickly escalated, and the suspect drew a firearm, shooting the victim three times.

The victim, who sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the back, attempted to flee toward his truck but collapsed on the ground. The assailant immediately fled on a motorcycle toward Valencia City.

The Valencia City Rescue Team rushed the victim to the Valencia City Health Center, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Responding police officers, led by Valencia police chief Lt. Col. Bryan Panganiban, found the victim lying face up near the delivery truck.

Authorities immediately activated ‘Oplan Shield,’ placing all units on full alert, and launched pursuit operations to apprehend the suspect. A Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team from the Bukidnon Provincial Forensic Unit was also requested to process the crime scene.

Col. Oliver Sotto Navales, Bukidnon Police Provincial Director, has ordered a thorough investigation for the swift resolution of the case

Dangote refinery resumes petrol sale in naira

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed gantry loading of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in naira after a week-long suspension, while raising its ex-depot petrol price to N1,215 per litre.

The refinery had suspended gantry and coastal loading on July 15 after introducing a dollar-denominated pricing template for refined petroleum products.

With the latest adjustment, the ex-depot price has increased by N140 per litre, representing a 13.02 per cent rise from the previous price of N1,075 per litre.

Checks by Daily Trust indicated that the new gantry price by Dangote is lower than the imported products.

As of last night, some depot owners priced at N1,274 per litre. Also, some retail stations currently dispense at over N1,300 per litre in Lagos.

Sources confirmed that customers had been notified of the resumption of gantry operations, with truck loading expected to commence immediately under the revised naira pricing structure.

The suspension of loading last week significantly tightened fuel supply across the country, pushing prices at private depots sharply higher.

In Lagos, the average ex-depot price reportedly climbed from around N1,075 per litre before the suspension to approximately N1,275 per litre, representing an increase of about N200 per litre, or 18.6 per cent, as marketers adjusted to higher replacement costs.

Daily Trust reports that Dangote Refinery had cited difficulties in accessing sufficient crude oil under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude arrangement to justify the introduction of dollar-based transactions.

Under the temporary dollar-based pricing template, PMS was sold at $0.779 per litre, Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) at $1.087 per litre, and Jet A1 aviation fuel at $0.942 per litre.

President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi confirmed the development in a chat with Daily Trust.

Maigandi expressed happiness over the development, saying it would ease the current disruptions encountered in the last one week.

‘We are very happy with this development and I want to assure you that our members would resume loading immediately. This will further improve inland distribution after days of constrained availability,’ he said.

Who really pays for digital banking?

Digital transformation in banking and finance-particularly in payments and remittances-has generated enormous excitement. It has moved both customers and the industry into a new era of convenience, speed and accessibility. The term ‘digital finance’ itself emerged in the 1970s with the introduction of electronic funds transfers (EFTs). Today, it refers to the impact of digital technologies on the transformation of conventional banking and financial services into something faster, more accessible and, supposedly, cheaper.

Digital finance has also encouraged fintech innovation and expanded ‘financial inclusion’. In theory, digital transformation should reduce operational costs for banks and financial institutions, while improving the quality and speed of service.

Digital finance offers comfort and convenience, but customers often end up paying for the very investments made in digitisation and digitalisation. In that sense, it contradicts the common assumption that the primary purpose of digital transformation is to reduce cost. The real paradox of digital finance is that it may reduce costs for institutions while increasing costs for customers.

The promise vs. the reality of digitalisation

Digital transformation is often justified through a simple economic equation: automation plus technology should reduce operational costs. In theory, banks and financial institutions should benefit from fewer physical branches, a smaller headcount for routine work, lower spending on printing and paper-based documentation, and less time devoted to manual compliance procedures.

Some of these reductions are real. Digital systems can replace carbonised forms, photocopies and repetitive back-office functions. Conceptually, such savings should make financial services cheaper, faster and more accessible, thereby advancing the broader goal of financial inclusion.

Yet digital finance contains an important and complex paradox. The narrative of digital transformation is built on the promise of efficiency and lower operating costs. A portion of the expense is transferred directly to the customer, while another portion is shifted within the institution itself.

Customers increasingly pay for the convenience of digital finance through transaction charges, payment gateway fees, ATM withdrawal fees, platform service charges, the cost of smartphones, internet connections, mobile data and even the burden of self-service are increasingly borne by the customer. In effect, customers pay not only for the service, but also for the infrastructure required to access it.

At the same time, institutions face a different burden in their cost structures. The costs of digital transformation do not disappear; they return in the form of software licensing, cybersecurity, system upgrades and the continuing expense of investing in new technology. Banks are therefore compelled to make continuous investments simply to remain competitive and technologically relevant.

Digitalisation, therefore, does not necessarily remove costs from the financial system. It merely changes who pays. Institutions may reduce some internal operating expenses, but users quietly absorb part of the infrastructure cost, while institutions carry the continuing burden of maintaining and upgrading the digital ecosystem.

Cost transfer instead of cost reduction

The traditional banking model bears the cost of infrastructure-branches, staff, and paperwork-while customers effectively contribute part of the infrastructure themselves. By using their own devices, conducting self-service transactions, and completing digital verifications, customers become active participants in the operational process, yet they do so without compensation. In essence, they shoulder part of the bank’s operational burden at no cost.

The ‘convenience premium’

Digital finance has introduced a new pricing concept often referred to as the ‘convenience premium,’ where customers effectively pay for time and convenience, even when operational costs have decreased. This premium reflects the value of features such as 24/7 accessibility, speed, and instant settlement of transactions between sender and beneficiary-regardless of holidays or branch closures.

In economic terms, digital finance converts convenience into a monetisable asset, charging for the efficiency and immediacy that were once intangible benefits, while the underlying operational burden has shifted partially onto the customer.

Financial inclusion vs. financial commercialisation

According to the World Bank, financial inclusion ensures that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services-such as transactions, payments, savings, credit, and insurance-delivered in a responsible manner. This is considered essential for reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and integrating billions of unbanked adults into the formal financial system through digital tools.

Digital finance is often presented as a key driver of financial inclusion, highlighting its potential benefits to the broader public. However, in practice, this narrative can be contradictory as the growing trend of financial commercialisation tends to overshadow the strategic intent of financial inclusion.

Digital finance has undoubtedly improved efficiency; however, efficiency does not automatically translate into affordability. Many institutions shift costs onto users and/or effectively redistributing costs in ways that prioritise profit within digital ecosystems.

As these fees accumulate, lower-income users may end up paying proportionally more for financial services than wealthier individuals who rely on traditional banking. This phenomenon leads to a paradox often referred to as ‘Digital Financial Stratification.’

In other words, while technology reduces costs, digital platforms often redefine how those costs are distributed-frequently shifting a greater share onto end users.

Classes in all levels suspended in Manila on Monday, July 27, for Sona

Face-to-face and online classes in all levels will be suspended in City of Manila on Monday, July 27, in line with the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced on Thursday.

In a livestream, Domagoso said that the class suspension will be applicable to both public and private schools.

‘The suspension of face-to-face and online classes applies to public and private schools across all grade levels from kinder to senior high school as well as colleges and universities,’ he said.

‘This is to encourage all Manileños and everyone, especially our students and educators, to watch the President’s address to the nation,’ he added.

The 5th Sona will be held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The Quezon City local government also announced the suspension of classes in all levels for public and private schools on the said day.

Aside from this, the Quezon City government will implement a liquor ban on Monday, from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m. to avoid any negative impact to peace and order that may be caused by acts of intoxication.

Maris Motor Rally 2026 on 1 Aug. set to boost Negombo’s hospitality, SME and tourism economy

MARIS Motor Rally 2026 MMR 26 is set to return this August with a stronger tourism, community and economic development focus, positioning Negombo as a vibrant weekend destination for local and international visitors.

Organised by the Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo, MMR 26 will bring together motorsport, international music entertainment, hotel and restaurant partnerships, destination experiences and year-round CSR initiatives under one platform. The event is expected to create wider economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, small vendors, youth groups and community-based businesses in Negombo.

MMR 26 is backed by a strong group of corporate and hospitality partners, with St. Joseph’s Hospital serving as the title sponsor, BYD as the automobile partner, Jetwing Hotels as the hospitality partner and Ritzbury CBL as the confectionery partner. A and E Yarn and Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine have also joined as supporting partners, strengthening the event’s ability to deliver an integrated motorsport, entertainment and tourism experience while generating wider economic activity across Negombo.

The program was unveiled at a press conference held at Vertical by Jetwing on 11 June, followed by a public warm up party on 17 July at Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine. The main MMR 26 TSD Rally will flag off on 1 August at 8.00 a.m. from Maris Stella College premises, with an expected audience of around 2,000. The MMR 26 Together official music festival will take place on 1 August from 4.00 p.m. at Jetwing Blue premises, with an expected audience of around 8,000. The weekend will conclude with an after-party on 2 August at Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine.

A key highlight of this year’s festival will be the performance by Australian-based internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute show Björn Again, which was created in Melbourne in 1988 and has toured internationally. The performance is expected to add a strong international entertainment appeal to Negombo’s tourism calendar and create fresh interest among both domestic visitors and foreign travellers.

MMR 26 will also activate a One Pass visitor scheme, where the QR code on the event ticket will provide access to exclusive discounts and offers from partner hotels, restaurants and selected tourism experiences across Negombo. This initiative is designed to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more within the local economy and explore Negombo beyond the event venue.

‘Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery needs strong destination-level experiences that connect visitors with local communities. MMR 26 is not only a rally or a music festival; it is a platform to promote Negombo as a complete weekend economy covering hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport, small businesses and community initiatives,’ said Maris Stella College OBA President Dhammika Fernando.

The 2026 edition builds on the momentum created by MMR 25, which was positioned as a festival of speed, spirit and revival for Negombo. Media coverage in 2025 highlighted the event’s role in supporting tourism revival, sustainability, youth engagement and local business activity.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is also entering a critical growth phase. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the country recorded over one million tourist arrivals between January and May 2026, crossing the one-million mark within the first five months of the year. In this context, destination-led events such as MMR 26 can play an important role in spreading tourism income beyond traditional hotel occupancy, by creating direct opportunities for restaurants, informal workers, transport operators, entertainment providers and small businesses.

MMR 26 will continue its CSR and community development initiatives throughout the year. The organisers have already installed six PET bottle collection points in prominent locations, conducted a major beach cleanup with over 1,000 participants on Negombo beach, completed stage one of the Negombo Fort restoration project in partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council, and supported cleaning initiatives around key tourist attractions including the Negombo Jetty area. The organisers also donated 200 lunch packets to the Negombo Municipal Council in support of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.

These initiatives are expected to strengthen Negombo’s positioning as a responsible tourism destination, where entertainment and visitor attraction are linked with environmental care, heritage protection and civic participation.

‘Negombo has the natural advantage of being close to the airport, having a strong hotel base, a rich cultural identity and a vibrant coastal economy. Through MMR 26, our objective is to help convert these strengths into real income opportunities for the local community while creating a positive image for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector,’ Fernando added.

With motorsport, music, hospitality partnerships, environmental action and community participation brought together under one umbrella, MMR 26 is expected to become a larger platform for tourism promotion, local livelihood development and economic activity in Negombo.