Category: Business Mirror

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), a key shelter agency under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), is accelerating the implementation of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), expanding access to secure and affordable housing for organized communities.

Within its first year of implementation, SHFC has approved 47 new projects nationwide, benefiting more than 8,100 families and providing over ?870.6 million in total loan assistance.

The ECMP forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, implemented under the leadership of DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

Secretary Aliling directed the full-scale implementation of the ECMP in line with the administration’s push for people-centric housing solutions. To further protect beneficiary communities, SHFC enhanced the program by integrating site development components to build safer, more livable communities.

Out of the 47 approved ECMP projects, 25 communities have already received land acquisition checks totaling about ?415 million, directly benefiting over 4,000 member-beneficiaries. DHSUD and SHFC officials personally led the distribution of assistance, underscoring the government’s commitment to bringing shelter services closer to local communities.

‘This milestone reflects SHFC’s resolve to fast-track housing delivery across the country,’ said SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa. ‘Through the ECMP, we are helping more Filipino families secure land tenure and move closer to the dream of owning a safe and decent home.’

This week alone, SHFC released land acquisition loan assistance to four additional ECMP communities: Divine Mercy HOAI (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan), Virginia Project 5 HOAI (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan), Golden Springville HOAI (Daet, Camarines Norte), and Plaridel Village CMP HOAI (Santiago, Isabela).

The newly released funding will enable these communities to complete their land acquisition process and secure land titles for their member-beneficiaries.

SHFC continues to work closely with homeowners’ associations, local government units, and other stakeholders to guide communities through the process and assist them in completing documentary requirements. Regular Task Force and Credit Committee meetings are held to review and evaluate project proposals promptly.

As implementation gains momentum, SHFC remains committed to expanding the ECMP to more communities, advancing the Marcos administration’s goal of providing Filipino families with safe, decent, and affordable homes.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) together with Book Nook will be holding HistoEx (History to Experience) 2026, flagship public history exposition of the agency from 27 to 29 July 2026 at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Under NHCP’s Dekada ng Kasaysayan, 2026 is the ‘Year of Philippine Diplomatic History and Diaspora,’ a nod to the agency’s commitment to advancing public understanding of the Philippines’ longstanding engagements in international diplomacy, and enduring narratives of overseas Filipino communities whose movements across borders have shaped both national identity and global presence.

With histoEx 2026’s theme, ‘Across Borders and Currents,’ the event and exhibit space visual draws inspiration from the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing structure, dialogue, and multilateral diplomacy and paired with maritime forms to represent migration, movement, and resilience.

The three-day exposition will feature historical exhibitions, educational talks, interactive activities, and cultural presentations that promote a deeper appreciation of Philippine history and heritage among students, educators, researchers, cultural workers, and the general public.

This year’s highlights are KaSiklaban, a quiz show and Reyal or Fakeh, a trivia game. Both exciting activities are grounded in the deeper purpose of historical learning. Kasiklaban is an inter-collegiate quiz game that tests the knowledge of students on Philippine history, heritage, and identity while Reyal or Fakeh challenges participants to determine whether historical statements, facts, or popular beliefs are true or false.

The main component of the mini convention is histoEx Talks, where personalities from the arts, culture, or history discuss a topic – Ted Talk style. This year, the event will focus on Filipino global contributions and how they strengthen the country’s identity.

On 27 July, media personality and content creator Joy Barcoma will discuss the importance of making history engaging and relevant for contemporary audiences while on 29 July, acclaimed stage and screen actress Gab Pangilinan will share her experiences in the performing arts and reflect on the role of theater in preserving and communicating history, identity, and culture.

Admission to HistoEx 2026 is free. Visitors are invited to explore, participate, and engage with government agencies, museums, historical organizations, academic institutions, and private partners through a diverse range of exhibits and educational displays.

Participating institutions include the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Instituto Cervantes, FamilySearch Inc., National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the National Museum of the Philippines, among others.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through research, publications, historical commemorations, and the conservation of the country’s historical sites, structures, and cultural heritage.

Radiating a profound spirit of dignity, artistic brilliance, and national solidarity, the Grand Ballroom of the Sequoia Hotel transformed into a sanctuary of human triumph as the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) hosted its Biennial Recognition Award Program (BRAP) Conferment Ceremony on July 22, 2026. Bringing together devoted advocates, visionary leaders, and communities from every corner of the archipelago, the landmark gathering stood as a vibrant testament to the resilience, boundless talents, and indomitable spirit of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines.

Headlined by NCDA Executive Director III Glenda D. Relova, the event underscored the council’s unwavering dedication to advancing the rights, welfare, and full societal integration of PWDs nationwide. Delivering an inspiring message of resolute government partnership, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Q. Dimaporo joined Executive Director Relova in reaffirming the administration’s steadfast commitment to robust, disability-inclusive policies and grassroots community mobilization.

Expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Angela Lagunzad-Castro-with seamless sign language interpretation provided by Febe Sevilla and Renato Soriano-the celebration commenced with a deeply moving theatrical invocation. Directed by PETA Founder, Magsaysay Outstanding ASEAN Awardee, and UNESCO Artist for Peace Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez, the Earthsavers DREAMS National I.T.I. Center set an uplifting, transformative tone for the afternoon.

The powerful opening performance challenged prejudices through evocative renditions of ‘Don’t Laugh At Me’ and ‘God Loves the Outcast,’ alongside a specially composed prayer hymn for PWDs and vulnerable groups entitled ‘Let There Be Peace.’ The stage came alive as blind vocalists Maricor Book and Earl Klowie Pada shared a touching choreography with deaf interpreter Edna Sanchez, Veneranda Mateo, and dancers gracefully navigating crutches and wheelchairs. This was expertly brought to life through the artistic direction of Gigi Velarde-David and Anthony Cruz, alongside indigenous performers Kiel Tuan and Edmarie Inda.

Amplifying the call for global harmony and environmental stewardship, the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble delivered an extraordinary performance demonstrating how the arts serve as a vital public conscience. Joined by renowned Brazilian cellist Diego Carneiro-in liaison with the Rotary and Gusi Peace Prize Foundation-the ensemble issued a powerful artistic appeal for peace, global ceasefire, and decarbonization to protect both humanity and Mother Earth.

Following an inspiring overview and Audio-Visual Presentation of the awards, the NCDA Governing Board proudly conferred honors upon the nation’s most inspiring finalists and winners across diverse categories:

Entrepreneur with Disability: Naprey Almario, James Bryan B. Camacho, and Darlito S. Palermo

Woman with Disability: Jennifer S. Anacio, Amie M. Dava, and Rhea B. Peñaflor

Athlete with Disability: Agustina M. Bantilloc, Kim Daniel M. Barrion, and Andrea Estrella

Youth with Disability: Julian Job C. Castro, Psyche Desiree Een E. Castillo, and Ymari Kristia C. Pascua

Disability-Inclusive Local Government Unit (City Category): Batangas City (Batangas), Carmona City (Cavite), and Quezon City (NCR)

Disability-Inclusive Local Government Unit (Municipality Category): Asingan (Pangasinan), Mauban (Quezon), and Sablayan (Occidental Mindoro)

Disability-Inclusive Local Government Unit (Province Category): Camarines Norte, Pangasinan, and Zamboanga del Sur

A special Partners’ Recognition segment offered deep gratitude to indispensable institutional allies-including the DTI, DepEd, DSWD, DILG, DICT, and PIA-for their steadfast, multi-sectoral collaboration in driving disability inclusion forward.

In his inspiring closing remarks, NCDA Deputy Executive Director III and 2026 BRAP Chair Dandy C. Victa reiterated the council’s firm resolve. He called upon national agencies, local government units, and civil society to continually synergize their efforts, marching forward hand-in-hand to forge a truly accessible, barrier-free Philippines for all.

On July 14, 2026, ‘Gus,’ one of the most complete specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex, went to an as yet unidentified buyer for US$50.1 million.

The auction at Sotheby’s set a record for most valuable fossil ever sold. Another dinosaur has entered the luxury collectibles market, a reminder that even Earth’s deepest history can be sold to the highest bidder.

To paleontologists like me, however, a fossil like ‘Gus’-excavated from the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota over three years starting in 2021 by commercial collector Thomas Heitkamp and his team-is not a trophy or a work of art. It is an irreplaceable scientific archive. Fossils preserve evidence of evolution, extinction, growth, disease, injury and ancient ecosystems. They are finite, non-substitutable records of life’s history on Earth.

Science depends on independent verification of claims and healthy debate. Researchers must be able to revisit specimens, test earlier conclusions and ask new questions.

But once a scientifically important fossil enters a private collection, access for researchers is no longer guaranteed. Collectors typically sequester their fossils in their homes. Even when privately owned specimens are loaned to museums, the owners can change their minds, ending access at any time. This issue is especially of note when it comes to Tyrannosaurus rex-a 2025 study found that while there were 61 T. rex fossils in public trusts at that time, 71 were privately held.

That is why the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, of which I’m a long-term member and president-elect, has long argued that scientifically significant vertebrate fossils belong in the public trust, curated in museums and universities that preserve them permanently, make them available for research and share them with the public.

Supporters of commercial fossil sales often argue that without sales to private collectors, specimens like ‘Gus’ would remain buried or erode away. They’re right about one thing: Discovery matters. Many extraordinary fossils have been found by ranchers, hikers, amateur collectors and commercial excavators. Paleontology is accessible to everyone who has an eye for observing nature-you don’t need to be an expert with academic credentials to make an important discovery.

But discovery is only the beginning. A fossil’s scientific value depends on careful documentation of where it was found, the rocks surrounding it, and the plants and animals preserved alongside it. Those details allow scientists to reconstruct ancient ecosystems, understand how an animal lived and died, and interpret how its remains became fossilized. When that contextual information is incomplete or lost, much of the fossil’s scientific value is lost as well.

Yet, even discovery, excavation and publication barely scratch the surface of a fossil’s scientific importance. The greatest scientific value of a specimen often comes decades later, when researchers ask new questions and apply new technologies that earlier generations never imagined. A specimen that seems fully studied today may yield surprising new information tomorrow, but only if it is still available for study.

Delayed discoveries

Consider the iconic dinosaurs, including T. rex, Triceratops, Diplodocus and Stegosaurus, first collected more than a century ago. Early paleontologists could describe their shapes but had no way to dig deeper by peering inside the bones. Because those specimens were preserved in museum collections, later generations could revisit them with technologies that didn’t exist when they were discovered.

Paleontologist Larry Witmer and his collaborators at Ohio University started using CT imaging 20 years ago to reconstruct the internal anatomy of historic dinosaur fossils without damaging them, based on how X-rays travel through specimens. Brain cavities, inner ears, air spaces, nerves and blood vessels became visible for the first time, revealing how dinosaurs balanced, heard, smelled and perceived their world.

Henry Fricke, Thomas Cullen and other geochemists have used isotopic signatures preserved in fossil teeth and eggshells to reconstruct dinosaur diets, migration patterns and body temperatures. This research has revealed how dinosaurs lived: what they ate, how they moved through ancient landscapes, and even how warm their bodies were.

More recently, molecular paleontologist Jasmina Wiemann and her collaborators have identified chemical traces preserved in fossil bone, eggshell and skin that reveal aspects of dinosaur biology unimaginable even a generation ago. Until now, paleontologists had no way to know details about metabolic rates and reproduction or the colors of skin, feathers and eggs.

In my own research, I use microscopes to uncover the hidden stories preserved inside dinosaur bones and teeth. Thin sections of fossil bones reveal that dinosaurs grew more like mammals and birds than like oversized reptiles. Microscopic modifications to bones capture traces of ancient scavenging, and tiny signatures deep inside baby dinosaur bones indicate the moment of hatching.

None of these discoveries would have been possible if the original fossils had vanished into inaccessible private collections.

Shared natural heritage, on the auction block

Fossils are not static objects whose scientific value is exhausted once they are described. Their value grows as science advances, but only if future researchers can continue to examine the original specimens.

Of course, sometimes dinosaur fossils are rescued from obscurity through purchase and immediate deposition or donation to natural history museums. Some of the world’s most important dinosaur fossils are accessible today because individuals, companies or organizations with the means to acquire extraordinary specimens recognized that they belong where scientists can continue to study them and where future generations can learn from them.

Purchasing a fossil in order to place it permanently in the public trust is fundamentally different from acquiring it as a private collectible: One expands access, the other leaves access uncertain.

But as fossil prices rise into the millions, museums increasingly cannot compete. The most significant fossils are no longer reliably entering public collections. Instead, they are becoming luxury assets whose market value supersedes their scientific value.

Dinosaurs belong to our shared natural heritage. They inspire wonder because they connect all of us to a world unimaginably older than our own. For me, the question raised by auctions like the one on July 14 of ‘Gus’ is not who can afford to own these relics of the past. It is whether future generations have the chance to study and learn from them.

The humble local turmeric root crop (‘luyang dilaw’) with its curcumin compound provides vital scientific evidence that could combat age-related muscle decline among older Filipinos, a study of a Filipino science scholar acknowledged.

Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) scholar, Dr. Maria Grace A. de Guzman, a recent PhD in Health Research graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, dedicated her doctoral dissertation to exploring the potential of curcumin-a bioactive compound derived from turmeric-to manage sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle strength, mass, and function, which severely impacts mobility, independence, and overall quality of life in seniors.

Highlighting the relevance of de Guzman’s work, Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of proactive geriatric healthcare.

‘Given the growing elderly population in the country, studies on muscle conditions like sarcopenia become increasingly relevant. With our scholarship grants through the DOST-PCHRD, we provide opportunities for physician-scientists to train and pursue research that addresses the tangible health concerns of Filipinos,’ Solidum said.

De Guzman’s dissertation has already garnered international recognition. Her findings were presented as a free paper at the XXVII World Congress of Neurology in Seoul, South Korea, with its abstract officially published in the prestigious Journal of the Neurological Sciences.

The study provides vital scientific evidence that could reshape future clinical practices, inform health policy development, and pave the way for practical, safe, and evidence-based approaches to geriatric care in the Philippines.

The research focused on leveraging the well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties of curcumin to support muscle function and reduce pain among older Filipino adults at risk of the condition.

Curcumin helps combat age-related muscle loss and soreness by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and improving overall mobility, said a study at the National Institutes of Health in the United States.

According to Herbalgram.org studies suggest regular curcumin supplementation improves handgrip strength, gait speed, and overall physical performance.

De Guzman credited her academic and scientific breakthroughs directly to the government’s robust support.

‘I am grateful to the DOST-PCHRD for funding my doctoral studies. This program equipped me with the skills to investigate conditions affecting physical capacity,’ she said.

‘I dedicate this research to helping older Filipino adults maintain their strength and quality of life as they age,’ she added.

DOST continues to champion local researchers to drive national development.

‘We are very proud of scholars like Doctor de Guzman who expand our understanding of health conditions affecting our people,’ Solidum added. ‘Moving forward, we remain eager to forge partnerships with institutions like UST to support the training and development of more physician-scientists in the Philippines.’

Government officials in Zambales have expressed optimism over natural hydrogen gas reserves found in the province and urged immediate preparations to explore and manage the two hydrogen seeps that could provide abundant clean energy and reshape the local economy.

This after Koloma Inc., reputedly the world’s leading natural hydrogen exploration company, was granted exclusive rights by the Philippine government on Thursday, July 23, to explore for native hydrogen here.

The US-based firm also received two service contracts from the government last October for natural hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, and began a 2D seismic survey at the Los Fuegos Eternos natural gas seep site in Bugallon, Pangasinan, on July 10.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the provincial government began pushing for the development of local hydrogen sources and assessing long-term impacts of the project after the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) identified significant hydrogen sources in San Antonio and Botolan towns in June last year.

The governor said local officials, including San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo and Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane, see Zambales at the forefront of the government’s drive to develop alternative energy sources, as well as better economic prospects for the province, once the hydrogen reserves are tapped.

‘If Saudi Arabia became a rich country [because of oil reserves], why can’t we with hydrogen, as long as we manage it properly?’ the governor wondered aloud during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by DOST-PNRI on June 3 in San Antonio town.

‘This is not just about discovering a resource. It is about preparing Zambales for a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future,’ Ebdane added.

Highest outgassing in the world

THE local gas seeps, also known as ‘outgassing,’ were identified in a groundbreaking study of native geologic hydrogen conducted by the DOST-PNRI under the Hydrogen SEEP, or Surface Exploration and Evaluation of Native Hydrogen Project.

Geologic hydrogen, also known as ‘white’ hydrogen, refers to naturally occurring hydrogen trapped underground and formed through the interaction of water with iron-rich rocks in ophiolite belts.

Ophiolites, which are formed by the uplifting of the Earth’s crust, are known to act as ‘chemical reactors’ for producing white hydrogen through serpentinization. This chemical reaction removes oxygen from the water and locks it into the rock minerals, thus releasing hydrogen gas.

Dr. Karmina A. Aquino, a geological chemist and a Science and Technology fellow who leads the Hydrogen SEEP team, said they recorded at least 808 tons of natural surface outgassing per year from the Nagsasa seep in San Antonio alone.

The Nagsasa flow rate reportedly surpassed the previous outgassing record of 200 tons per year from the Bulqizë chromite mine in Albania, where geologists discovered 80 percent pure hydrogen gas bubbling from underground pools in 2024.

Even with its recorded flow rate of just 200 tons, the geologic fault under the Albanian mine may contain a massive reserve of 5,000 to 50,000 tons of hydrogen, scientists said.

At the outset, Aquino estimated that surface outgassing from the Nagsasa seep may generate from 12,861 to 15,185 megawatt-hour (MWh) per year, which is equivalent to 42 percent of the estimated 36,600 MWh demand of host town San Antonio.

Tapping this freely available energy resource would be beneficial for the communities near the seep, which is currently not connected to the grid, she also said.

Economic potential

THE discovery of white hydrogen reserves in Zambales sets the stage for the development of an indigenous clean energy program amid mounting calls to steer away from dirty fossil fuels and transition to energy sources without much carbon footprint.

As a naturally occurring resource, native geological hydrogen fits the bill. It is highly prized as a clean, primary energy source with production costs far cheaper than manufactured ‘green’ or ‘gray’ hydrogen.

Experts believe that natural ‘white’ hydrogen, which is extracted directly from the ground and bypasses the industrial electrolysis or gasification stages, could potentially be produced at under $1 per kilogram.

Currently, ‘gray’ hydrogen, which is the most widely used form today, only costs from $1.50 to $2.50/kg to produce.

However, processing gray hydrogen by breaking down biomethane gas to yield a hydrogen-rich mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide leaves a staggering carbon footprint, as from 9 to 12 tons of carbon dioxide is released into the air for each ton of gray hydrogen produced.

‘Green’ hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis using renewable energy like solar or wind.

While no carbon emissions are generated in this process, production cost is usually high because it requires from 50 to 55 Kilowatt-hours of electricity to produce just one kilogram of green hydrogen.

According to data from Energy Solutions Intelligence (ESI), which monitors the energy market, green hydrogen is produced in the United States at a cost of from $4.50 to $6.50/kg and from $5.50 to $7.50/kg in Europe.

In the Middle East and North Africa production is lower at $2.80 to $4.20/kg because of cheap solar power purchase agreements and subsidized capital, the ESI said.

White is way better: cheaper, zero carbon

With cheaper production cost and zero carbon footprint, white hydrogen promises to be the energy source of the future.

According to estimates by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there is approximately 5 million megatons of geologic hydrogen in the world.

Even if only 2 percent of this could be recovered, successful extraction would produce about 100,000 megatons, which could supply the projected global energy demands for more than 200 years, the USGS said.

Further study and exploration

WHILE the DOST-PNRI study identified several sources of geologic hydrogen in the Philippines, further exploration is needed to ascertain the commercial viability of tapping these energy sources, experts said.

Koloma, Inc., which is expanding its hydrogen exploration program into Zambales, described the Philippines as having ‘some of the best-documented natural hydrogen data in the world, making it one of the most promising settings for exploration.’

‘A discovery of commercial-scale natural hydrogen would give the Philippines a domestic, primary energy source and position it as a regional energy hub,’ Koloma said in a statement on Thursday.

The DOST-PNRI’s Hydrogen SEEP team first measured the outgassing rate of natural hydrogen in Zambales because it is more accessible than the other sites like Palawan.

‘In the Philippines, there are known sites, and we know there is hydrogen there, but we don’t know how much we can get and if it’s worth pursuing and if it’s economical,’ Aquino said following the release of the DOST-PNRI study last year.

‘We knew this for so long. Actually, the Philippines is one of the original sites for geologic hydrogen, as early as 1980s or earlier,’ Aquino added.

Another scientific study published by the USGS in 1989 had also identified Zambales as the location of the one of the world’s best-exposed and least-disturbed ophiolite belts.

The Zambales Ophiolite Complex (ZOC) is said to span about 160 kilometers from north to south of the province and is divided into three massifs, which, in geological terms, are distinct, independent sections of the Earth’s crust defined by faults.

These massifs, which contain large, solid blocks of highly compacted rock that are highly resistant to erosion and folding, are found in the towns of Masinloc, Cabangan, and Antonio.

Long-term preparations

GIVEN the extensive studies required to finally exploit local hydrogen reserves, Gov. Ebdane has called for the development of local expertise in preparations for the scientific development of native hydrogen.

‘If Zambales will play a major role in this field, we need local geologists, researchers, engineers, and professionals who can help us understand, protect, and develop this resource properly,’ the governor pointed out.

San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo, meanwhile, said the town government has coordinated with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the DOST to validate and study the hydrogen deposits at Nagsasa.

In a media briefing in April, Antipolo said that developing the local hydrogen sources could reshape the municipality’s economic future.

For this, he said the LGU is also pushing for key hydrogen development infrastructure to be located within the town for the LGU to generate revenues through real property taxes and strengthen its Special Education Fund.

Antipolo also said they have also institutionalized preparations for the hydrogen project by creating the San Antonio Green and Renewable Energy Council (Sagrec) and the San Antonio Green and Renewable Energy Investment Board (Sagreib).

He said these bodies are expected to facilitate policy direction, attract investors, and ensure that infrastructure developments related to the development of the Nagsasa seep will directly benefit the host community.

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 brought together a comprehensive showcase of manufacturing technologies and innovations at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

Concluding today, July 25, the three-day event features the 3rd Auto Parts and Vehicles Expo Philippines (APVE) 2026 and the 12th Philippine Die and Mould Machinery and Equipment Exhibition (PDMEX), creating an integrated platform for the country’s automotive aftermarket, manufacturing, and precision-engineering industries.

Philippine Manufacturing Week serves as a major business-to-business platform covering the manufacturing value chain-from automotive aftermarket solutions to precision die and mould machinery. The event provides opportunities for industry professionals to explore advanced technologies, establish strategic partnerships, and contribute to the future of Philippine manufacturing.

GOVERNMENT LEADERS EMPHASIZE MANUFACTURING’S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished government officials who underscored the critical role of manufacturing in the nation’s economic development.

Ms. Vivian Santos, Deputy Director General for Operations, representing the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), emphasized the agency’s commitment to strengthening the manufacturing sector through strategic incentives, infrastructure development, and policy support aimed at positioning the Philippines as a competitive manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region.

Mr. Ferdinand Jesus Ortega, Chairperson of the Cooperative Development Authority, highlighted the agency’s dedication to empowering transport cooperatives and automotive enterprises through capacity-building programs and financial mechanisms. His remarks reinforced the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in which both large-scale manufacturers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can thrive in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

The third edition of the Auto Parts and Vehicles Expo Philippines demonstrates the event’s continued growth, reflecting increasing market demand for automotive aftermarket solutions in

the country. This year’s exhibition features an expanded portfolio, with exhibitors from several countries and international pavilions representing China, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The diverse participation underscores the Philippines’ growing importance as a strategic market for automotive components and aftermarket services in Southeast Asia.

Now in its 12th edition, the Philippine Die and Mould Machinery and Equipment Exhibition is co-organized by the Philippine Die and Mold Association (PDMA) and Informa Markets. It brings together leading experts and solution providers in precision tooling.

Die and mould machinery forms a critical foundation of the manufacturing sector, supporting the production of goods ranging from automotive components to consumer electronics. PDMEX addresses the industry’s need for advanced tooling technologies, precision-engineering solutions, and knowledge transfer to enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine manufacturers.

STRATEGIC CO-LOCATION CREATES INDUSTRY SYNERGY

‘The co-location of APVE and PDMEX under Philippine Manufacturing Week represents a strategic milestone in our commitment to advancing the Philippine manufacturing ecosystem,’ said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines. ‘By bringing together the automotive aftermarket and die and mould industries, we are creating powerful synergies that showcase the interconnected nature of modern manufacturing. This integrated approach enables our exhibitors and visitors to explore the complete value chain-from precision tooling and component manufacturing to aftermarket distribution and service-all under one roof.

‘We are proud to facilitate the connections and knowledge exchange that will drive innovation and growth across these vital sectors,’ she added.

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 features its most comprehensive conference program to date, with expert-led sessions addressing the key challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

APVE conference highlights include:

Electric Vehicle Technology and Infrastructure Development

MSME loan programs offered by the Small Business Corporation and tailored for transport cooperatives

Automotive Trends and Aftermarket Opportunities

Trucking Industry Modernization and Fleet Management

Auto Components Driving Philippine Manufacturing, featuring insights from PEZA

PDMEX sessions focus on:

Die and Mould Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Robotics Integration in Manufacturing

Advanced Welding Technologies and Applications

Precision Engineering and Quality Control

Digital Transformation in Tooling and Manufacturing

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 is expected to welcome approximately 8,000 industry professionals, including manufacturers, distributors, procurement specialists, engineers, and government representatives. The strong attendance reflects the event’s growing reputation as an important platform for business development, technology sourcing, and industry networking.

The event is supported by key government agencies and industry organizations committed to advancing the country’s manufacturing sector. Supporting government agencies include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), among others.

These partnerships, together with strong industry collaboration, contribute to the development of policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Philippine manufacturing.

APVE and PDMEX run from July 23 to 25, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. The events are open to industry professionals and offer opportunities to discover innovative solutions, connect with global suppliers, and gain insights that can drive business growth across the automotive aftermarket and manufacturing industries.

Choco Mucho’s Ayesha Juegos and Ivy Perez attend to a cramping Madeleine Madayag during their Premier Volleyball League On Tour match against PLDT on Saturday night at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

The Flying Titans, however, yield to the reigning titlist High Speed Hitters, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, for their second straight loss.

Pope Leo XIV has conferred the ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ medal on Our Lady of Manaoag devotee Darlene Zshornack, who received the honor during a Mass at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan on July 18.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan presided over the Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of Balanga and about 50 priests from various dioceses and religious congregations.

Also in attendance were members of the Missionaries of Charity, the Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, the Oblates of St. Joseph, seminarians and beneficiaries of Zshornack’s charitable work.

In his homily, the archbishop said gratitude lies at the heart of Christian holiness.

‘Gratitude is holiness. That is why our Holy Church, our Holy Mother, recognizes with gratitude the generosity of one of her daughters,’ Villegas said.

He said the greatest gift God offers the faithful is not a medal but the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, the fullest expression of God’s love and thanksgiving.

Zshornack, a Manila resident who is also devoted to the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church, said her devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag grew through her faith and inspired her commitment to serving the Church and the poor.

Thanking the pope and the archbishop, she said she regarded the medal not simply as a recognition but as a renewed call to serve God’s people with greater love.

The Zshornack family has supported churches and religious congregations across the Philippines through various charitable projects, including preparations for the April 22 centennial of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, Latin for ‘For the Church and the Pope,’ is one of the distinguished papal honors that can be conferred on clergy and laypeople for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIII established the award in 1888 to recognize those who helped organize the celebration of his golden sacerdotal jubilee and the Vatican Exhibition during his pontificate. CBCP News

The past year reminded Central Visayas that resilience cannot rely on response alone.

Following a series of destructive natural hazards that affected parts of Cebu and neighboring provinces, conversations have shifted toward preparedness not only through disaster response, but through science, technology and innovation that can help communities anticipate risks, strengthen industries and improve public services.

That vision took center stage during the 2026 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Cebu City on July 13, where government agencies, researchers, local governments, universities, startups and businesses gathered to showcase how scientific research can move beyond laboratories and into everyday life.

For Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., innovation is no longer simply about developing new technologies. It is about building communities that are ready for tomorrow.

‘Let the 2026 RSTW in Central Visayas show that productivity, knowledge creation, and future readiness are parts of one national journey,’ Solidum said during the opening ceremony.

‘Let Central Visayas demonstrate how regions can lead that journey-with enterprises willing to innovate, researchers willing to respond, institutions willing to collaborate, local governments willing to use evidence, and young people ready to create,’ he added.

His message comes as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) pushes for stronger regional innovation ecosystems, recognizing that solutions are often most effective when developed close to the communities they intend to serve.

‘Sa katawhan gihapon’ (for the people still)

DOST Central Visayas Regional Director Tristan Abando explained how the annual science week represents something much larger than an exhibition of new technologies.

It is a gathering of the region’s entire science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

‘RSTW is not merely a DOST event but a celebration of the entire science, technology and innovation ecosystem of the region,’ Abando said.

He noted that many successful innovations begin with simple conversations among different sectors before evolving into technologies, enterprises and services that address local concerns. ‘By bringing together key players from various sectors, RSTW provides a venue for building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones that can help address the region’s pressing development concerns.’

Among the technologies featured during the three-day event are the Fuel Cell Research and Development and Testing Center, Bamboo Octagonal Jointing System, Wood Identification Services, Automatic Weather Station, Radiosonde Transmitter, BANATECH, Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTech), AGOS Digital Signing App, and Payruler.

The exhibition also highlighted DOST-assisted enterprises, including Cebu-based bakery and food manufacturer Magic Melt, which integrated a solar photovoltaic system into its production facility through DOST support.

While the technologies vary widely, they point toward a common objective: using science to solve practical problems faced by industries, communities and local governments.

‘Karon ug ugma’ (today and tomorrow)

CENTRAL Visayas is in a unique position to demonstrate how national science and innovation strategies can be translated into local action, Solidum said.

Among the initiatives he highlighted is the Smart and Sustainable Communities Roadmap, which encourages local governments to use data in planning and delivering public services.

Another is the Central Visayas Drone Industry Development Action Plan, which seeks to strengthen technical skills, regulation and public-service applications for drone technologies in the region.

The Science Discovery Center, meanwhile, aims to cultivate scientific curiosity among younger Filipinos and encourage greater participation in science and technology.

‘These are not isolated projects; they are the building blocks of an innovation ecosystem felt by every citizen,’ Solidum said.

He added that science-based interventions also have implications beyond research, particularly in strengthening food security.

According to the DOST chief, helping food processors, farmers, fisherfolk and agri-based enterprises improve productivity, reduce losses and strengthen supply chains could make communities more resilient to disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions.

‘By enhancing the competitiveness of local industries, science and technology can help ensure a more stable and accessible food supply even amid disruptions caused by natural hazards and changing market conditions,’ he said.

‘Tabang sa tinguha’ (assistance in achieving a goal)

BEYOND showcasing technologies, DOST is also expanding assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to adopt innovation.

During the RSTW opening news conference, Solidum said the agency continues to strengthen its long-running Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which provides qualified businesses with financial assistance of up to P5 million, alongside technical guidance throughout implementation.

Repayment begins only after one year and is spread over three years without interest.

For businesses requiring larger investments, DOST has partnered with LandBank to provide additional financing for qualified enterprises, with loans ranging from around P5 million to as much as P50 million or P100 million, depending on project requirements.

The agency also administers the Startup Grant Fund, which supports research and development activities before technologies become commercially viable.

Meanwhile, companies facing operational challenges but lacking in-house research capabilities may partner with universities through DOST-funded research collaborations, while research-intensive firms may receive assistance in acquiring specialized equipment.

Solidum said these initiatives are complemented by the country’s growing network of 84 innovation hubs, which provide technical mentoring, networking opportunities and business guidance for startups and MSMEs.

The goal, he said, is to ensure innovators receive support from idea generation to commercialization.

Really, the message of the RSTW in Central Visayas is clear: being andam ugma (ready tomorrow) begins with turning science into solutions that communities can use today.