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The Business Administration Educators and Students Association, Inc. (BAESAI) Mindanao Chapter strengthened its partnership with the National Executive Board through an MOU signing and strategic planning session held in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental today 25 Sept. 2026.

The activity focused on planning priority programs, strengthening partnerships, and identifying strategic actions for business educators, students, scholars, and industry partners in Mindanao.

Representing the BAESAI National Executive Board were Prof. Juan Fajardo, Chairman; Prof. Les Ferriols, Vice President for Finance; and Dr. Julio O. Castillo Jr., President.

The BAESAI Mindanao Chapter was represented by Dr. Kharen Jane S. Ungab, Chair; Dr. Mark R. Nambatac, President; and Prof. Joan T. Batahoy, Vice President.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reinforces the commitment of both national and regional leaders to develop relevant academic programs, professional activities, research collaboration, and industry linkages across Mindanao.

Through the strategic planning session, the group also discussed priority activities, partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, conferences, seminars, and other programs that can further connect these educational institutions.

BAESAI Mindanao aims to bring more meaningful opportunities and programs closer to educators and students while strengthening academe-industry collaboration.

The Mindanao Inaugural Conference is scheduled on December 4, 2026 at Tagolonan Community College Conference Hall. The event is entitled, ‘Business Education to Workplace Readiness’.

COMMUTERS will pay more for jeepney, bus, transport network vehicle (TNV) and airport taxi rides starting Monday, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved fare adjustments for public utility vehicles (PUVs) that had been suspended since March.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez approved the recommendation of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to implement the adjustments, citing the continued rise in fuel prices and its impact on the transport sector.

‘The existing PUV fares are the fares from before the fuel crisis. That is why they are no longer enough for our drivers and operators to earn a decent income. This fare increase is timely so we can ensure there are enough PUVs on the road and our commuters have rides,’ Lopez said in Filipino.

Under the approved rates, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys rises 7.7 percent to P14 from P13 for the first four kilometers, while the rate for every kilometer thereafter climbs 11.1 percent to P2 from P1.80.

Modern jeepneys will charge a minimum fare of P17 for the first four kilometers, up 13.3 percent from P15, and P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer, up 9.1 percent from P2.20.

For city buses, the minimum fare for ordinary units increases 15.4 percent to P15 from P13 for the first five kilometers, with the succeeding-kilometer rate rising 10.7 percent to P2.49 from P2.25. Air-conditioned city buses will charge P18 for the first five kilometers, up 20 percent from P15, and P2.98 per succeeding kilometer, up 12.5 percent from P2.65.

Provincial buses also get higher rates. The minimum fare for ordinary units rises 9.1 percent to P12 from P11 for the first five kilometers, while the succeeding-kilometer rate climbs 15.8 percent to P2.20 from P1.90. Per-kilometer rates for other classes increase as follows: Air-conditioned: 16.7 percent to P2.45 from P2.10; Deluxe: 15.6 percent to P2.60 from P2.25; Super deluxe: 14.9 percent to P2.70 from P2.35; and Luxury: 15.5 percent to P3.35 from P2.90.

Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) receive some of the steepest increases. Rates for hatchbacks rise 57.1 percent to P55 from P35, sedans 44.4 percent to P65 from P45, AUVs and SUVs 36.4 percent to P75 from P55, and premium units 13.8 percent to P165 from P145. A pick-up fare of P15 per kilometer was also approved.

Airport taxis will charge P115 for the first 500 meters, up 53.3 percent from P75, while the P4 rates for every 300 meters and every two minutes remain unchanged.

Point-to-point (P2P) bus services were granted a 15-percent increase on existing fares.

Traditional UV Express units can start charging P2.60 per kilometer, up 8.3 percent from P2.40, and modern units, P3 per kilometer, up 20 percent from P2.50.

For regular taxis, the DOTr approved a 30 percent increase to P65 from P50, premium silver taxis 60 percent to P80 from P50, and premium gold taxis 58.3 percent to P95 from P60.

The DOTr and LTFRB had consulted with various transport groups before the rates were first approved in March.

‘We thank our transport groups as well as our commuters for your understanding while we studied these fare adjustments. Any decision the agency makes really has to be balanced. You are our top priority in all the programs we implement at the DOTr,’ Lopez said.

PUVs must post their updated fare matrices in their units before charging passengers the new rates. The complete matrices can be downloaded from the LTFRB website.

Lopez also ordered PUVs to keep granting the mandatory 20-percent fare discount to students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The National Federation of Transport Cooperatives said the approval recognizes the real costs borne by drivers and operators amid the continued rise in oil prices, and asked the public to understand the change.

‘The additional peso is not just a number, but food, school allowance and payment for the promise of every family that depends on driving,’ the group said in Filipino.

Bus operators Victory Liner and Genesis Transport Service Inc. issued identical statements saying that the ‘fare adjustment provides essential support for operators to continue dispatching safe and roadworthy buses, maintain routes, protect jobs and serve communities throughout the country.’

The bus operators said they recognized that the increase adds to the burden of passengers already coping with a higher cost of living.

‘It is not a reason for celebration, but a necessary measure to help preserve the public transport service on which millions of Filipinos depend,’ they said.

TNVS Community Philippines (TCP) said in a statement that the adjustment ‘is not only financial help amid economic challenges; it is a major recognition of the value and dignity of every TNVS driver and operator who strives every day to deliver safe, reliable and quality service.’

Sony Group Corp. is skipping the CES technology show in 2027, ending a decades-long presence at the Las Vegas electronics showcase in favor of a growing focus on entertainment content.

Neither Sony, whose products were first displayed at the inaugural conference in 1967, nor its affiliates plan to exhibit at CES in January, a spokesperson said, confirming an earlier report by the Nikkei. The PlayStation creator did not have its own booth at the show earlier this year, but its joint venture with Honda Motor Co. displayed the Afeela electric vehicle, a joint venture that has since been scrapped.

The decision to skip CES entirely will reconfigure the show floor at the world’s highest-profile gathering for consumer electronics. Sony has long occupied one of the largest booths at CES, and even as Japanese peers reduced their footprint, it remained a mainstay and attracted large crowds with its keynote events.

Sony also synced up with the broader trend across CES toward the automotive sector, using the show to promote its collaboration with Honda to jointly develop EVs. That project-one of Sony’s most prominent attempts to explore a new platform for content and AI-powered services-unraveled this year and the two companies said they would reassess the future of their joint venture, established in 2022.

‘We continuously and strategically evaluate our approach to events and communications based on the needs and priorities of our diverse business,’ Sony said in a statement. The company’s focus continues to evolve toward entertainment, intellectual property and technology geared to support creators, it said.

Sony’s business has shifted increasingly toward games, music and film, reducing the importance of CES as a venue to display its strategy. The company remains a key supplier of image sensors used in automobiles, and executives have argued that vehicles could eventually help create new forms of entertainment inside cars.

Following the Philippines’ historic gains in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara led the national recognition of educators, learners, families, local government leaders, and public and private partners, celebrating a whole-of-nation effort that helped the Philippines emerge as the world’s fastest-improving nation in Reading performance, while securing significant score increases across Reading, Science, and Mathematics compared to the 2022 cycle.

‘This achievement was brought about by years of consistent guidance, encouragement, and support from our teachers, families, schools, communities, and all our partners. That is why today we are here to recognize the people and the institutions that helped make all these possible,’ Marcos said during the thanksgiving gathering, held at President Corazon ‘Cory’ C. Aquino National High School, brought together representatives and supporters from 20 public and private schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) that participated in the assessment.

The results also showed a higher percentage of learners reaching baseline proficiency level across all three domains.

Angara emphasized that while the international recognition marks a turning point for Philippine education, the true victory belongs to the grassroots communities that rallied behind schools.

‘We owe this breakthrough first and foremost to the clear vision and support of President Bongbong Marcos, who made education reform a national priority and gave us the mandate to support our schools on the ground…These results prove what is possible when a country rallies behind its youth. But more than that, it was a triumph of local solidarity,’ Angara said.

Angara acknowledged the broad network of supporters who stepped up to ensure schools were fully equipped during the global assessment. He lauded local leaders, including lawmakers, governors, mayors, and barangay officials, who channeled local resources directly into participating classrooms. Electric cooperatives, local businesses, corporate foundations, and civic groups also joined the effort by providing backup generators, stable internet connectivity, and essential school supplies.

Beyond logistics, Angara praised the deep personal commitment of families, school personnel, and especially the teachers. ‘Our teachers and partners proved that resourcefulness and grit can bridge the resources gap. Our educators, especially those who went out of their way to support neighboring schools, demonstrated the absolute best of the Filipino spirit,’ he said.

The public schools recognized during the event were Amparo High School, Caloocan City Business High School, Bagong Silang High School, Caloocan City Science High School, Esteban Abada High School, Jose P. Laurel High School, Claro M. Recto High School, Tondo High School, Fortune High School, President Corazon ‘Cory’ C. Aquino National High School, Manggahan High School, Sagad High School, New Era High School, San Bartolome High School, Pitogo High School, and Taguig Science High School.

Participating private institutions, including Divine Light Academy, Jose Rizal High School-Arellano University, Servite School, Inc., and Inocencio School, Inc., were also recognized.

The education partners recognized at the event included ConnecEd, Frontlearners, Inc., Khan Academy Philippines, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (ITBAP), One Meralco Foundation, Meralco, and Rebisco.

A total of 8,702 learners from 208 schools nationwide participated in PISA 2025.

‘This is not a moment to rest on our laurels, but a clear sign that the systemic reforms initiated under President Marcos’ leadership are taking root. With the continued backing of our local government units, private partners, and dedicated teachers, we will push harder to close the achievement gap and make quality education accessible to every Filipino child,’ Angara said.

ARAL program, curriculum reforms to build on PHL’s gains in PISA

Learning recovery efforts and curriculum reforms will further improve Filipino learners’ performance with the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program as a key intervention in addressing learning gaps, following the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 round of the PISA.

Senate President Win Gatchalian made this projection as he cited the impact evaluation conducted by nonprofit organization Youth Impact, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the World Bank. That assessment found that the ARAL program resulted in 4.5 million fewer struggling readers in School Year 2025-2026.

While the ARAL Program received P8.9 billion this year, the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for fiscal year 2027 has zero allocation for the program. Gatchalian vowed, however, to fight for the program’s funding.

Gatchalian expressed optimism that learning outcomes will further improve following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12322, which removed the mandatory use of the spiral progression approach and gave DepEd greater flexibility in implementing the basic education curriculum.

‘Ngayong nakikita natin sa resulta ng PISA na nasa tamang direksyon ang mga reporma sa edukasyon, patuloy nating susuportahan at patatatagin ang mga programang lalo pang magpapahusay sa kakayahan ng ating mga mag-aaral [Now that we’ve seen with PISA’s results that our educational reforms are in the right direction, we will continue to sup[port and strengthen these programs that will further improve our learners’ capacity],’ Gatchalian said.

NEW YORK-Seven years after becoming the second-highest grossing film ever, Avengers: Endgame returned to the No. 1 spot at the box office in a victory lap for Marvel and an appetizer for the upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday.

The rerelease grossed $26 million over the weekend and another $60 million overseas, according to studio estimates on Sunday. The film, which grossed $2.8 billion in 2019, was put back into theaters with several new end-credits scenes and an introductory thank you to fans from Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans.

Among rereleases, only the 1997 release of Star Wars: A New Hope ($35.9 million) and the 2011 repeat of The Lion King ($30.2 million) have opened higher than Endgame in domestic cinemas.

Hollywood has increasingly turned to rereleases in recent years to take advantage of holes in the release schedule. But The Walt Disney Co. rerun, billed as Endgame: Encore, came out on top on an especially crowded weekend in theaters.

Three well-reviewed new releases-A24’s Primetime, with Robert Pattinson; Paramount Pictures’ Heart of the Beast, with Brad Pitt; and Universal Pictures’ Forgotten Island-all landed in theaters.

Second place, though, went to Zach Cregger’s reboot of Resident Evil. The Sony Pictures release followed up its above-expectations debut with $23.3 million in its second weekend. In two weeks, the video-game adaptation has grossed $103.5 million in US and Canadian theaters.

In a close race for third place, Heart of the Beast came out just ahead of Primetime with an estimated $20 million from 3,435 theaters. Directed by David Ayer, the film stars Pitt as a retired veteran who must trek through the Alaskan wilderness with his combat dog after a plane crash. It added $30.1 million in international theaters.

Pattinson drives ‘Primetime’ sales

BUT the opening for Primetime was more impressive. Heart of the Beast cost $82 million to produce, making its path to profitability challenging. Primetime, starring Pattinson as To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen, was made with a modest budget of $15 million and it opened in 500 fewer theaters.

Yet, Primetime, buoyed by strong reviews and buzz out of the Venice Film Festival, debuted with $19.2 million. For Pattinson, who also starred this year in A24’s The Drama and Universal’s The Odyssey, the strong performance showed the actor’s drawing power with Gen Z audiences.

Some 69 percent of ticket buyers for Primetime were under the age of 30. Gen Z has emerged as the most regular moviegoing demographic, fueling hits this year like Obsession and Backrooms. Primetime is directed by 30-year-old documentarian Lance Oppenheim, who co-directed the much-anticipated Elizabeth Holmes documentary You Can See Everything, due out next month.

Forgotten Island, from DreamWorks Animation, had a hard time standing out. The film, which cost $80 million to make, opened in fifth place with a disappointing $12.8 million domestically. In 31 overseas markets, Forgotten Island also didn’t make much of a dent, grossing $7.8 million internationally.

Universal will hope family audiences catch up to the movie that landed the weekend’s best CinemaScore (an ‘A’) and the best reviews (94 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes).

Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, is about two friends who get stranded in a mystical world.

The confluence of releases added up to a historically good September weekend in theaters. According to Rentrak, ticket sales were up 58.5 percent from the same weekend last year. The domestic box office has massed $7.8 billion thus far, putting it 19 percent ahead of last year.