Category: Business Mirror

VOLLEYBALL officials have hit reboot, hoping to restore stability and credibility to the sport’s national federation after months of turmoil.

With the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) presiding over more than 35 volleyball stakeholders on Monday at the Southlinks Boardroom of Solaire Resort in Parañaque, all members of the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) board have agreed to resign to pave the way for a new one.

The new leadership structure will mirror other sports federations, with no chairman of the board and the secretary-general to be appointed and not elected.

POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino was pleased as Philippine volleyball, which is gearing up for important international stints such as the Asian Games, can move forward as one.

‘That’s the first step and they all agreed to resign,’ Tolentino said.

Another assembly will be called on August 10 to tackle the next steps toward fresh elections of the federation.

The assembly also approved a restructured 13-member board to include athlete representatives from both indoor volleyball (male) and beach volleyball (female), plus one each from the major collegiate leagues National Collegiate Athletic Association and University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The POC will also have a seat in the board.

‘This is to introduce inclusivity and, more importantly, that the stakeholders prioritize the call of the national team,’ added Tolentino who presided over the assembly with POC secretary-general Wharton Chan.

The PNVF under president Tony Boy Liao, elected in November last year, was suspended by the FIVB in May due to governance concerns and alleged violations of the international federation’s Code of Ethics.

An ad hoc committee was formed to oversee Philippine volleyball to ensure that the teams would be able to continue international obligations.

The crisis further deepened as, while Alas Pilipinas competed in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Cup in Candon, a letter signed by PNVF board members withdrawing support for Liao surfaced online. The letter was signed by chairman Arnel Hajan, vice president Yul Benosa, secretary general Otie Camangian, auditor Roger Banzuela, Sherwin Magada, Fr. Victor Calvo, Danilo Cong-o, Socorro Calleja-Uy and Edward Lee.

Days later PNVF declared Frank Lao of Strong Group Athletics as president, but that was declared null by the POC because of the suspension. Lao attended the general assembly on Monday.

POLITICAL controversies failed to derail the House of Representatives from advancing measures addressing the everyday needs of Filipinos, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos said on Monday.

As the 20thCongress entered its Second Regular Session, Marcos highlighted the chamber’s continued action on proposals concerning education, water governance, energy, nutrition, social protection, digital payments, and land use.

Despite months of political distractions, he said the House completed action on 26 of the 52 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) during the First Regular Session.

Under the leadership of Speaker Faustino G. Dy III, the House approved 229 measures, comprising 66 national bills and 163 local measures. It also transmitted more than 160 measures to the Senate.

Marcos said these accomplishments showed that the chamber remained focused on legislation despite controversies competing for public and congressional attention.

‘I think the fact that we are ahead of schedule shows that I am satisfied with what has been happening in the House lately and with its legislative performance,’ he said during an ambush interview.

Marcos said the legislative output remains the most objective basis for assessing whether the House leadership has effectively managed the chamber’s work.

‘The performance of any majority leader should be measured by the legislative output of the chamber in which that official serves,’ he stressed.

Marcos added that Congress should be evaluated not only by the volume of measures it processes but also by its progress in passing priority legislation that directly responds to national concerns.

‘What matters is how many measures Congress has passed, particularly those identified as Ledac priorities,’ he said.

With half of the Ledac-endorsed measures already acted upon, Marcos said the House would carry its momentum into the Second Regular Session and focus on the remaining priorities of the Marcos administration.

‘We hope to sustain the momentum we established during the First Regular Session as we move into the Second Regular Session,’ Marcos said.

Aboitiz Economic Estates and Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, formally inducted industry leaders into the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) through an Induction and Onboarding Program held last July 2026 at the Talent Edge Hub at LIMA Estate, reinforcing collaboration between industry and academia to strengthen workforce readiness and align education with evolving industry needs.

By strengthening links between education and industry, students gain greater exposure to workplace realities, educators benefit from industry insights, and employers help shape a talent pipeline equipped for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving economy.

The Industry Advisory Council serves as a strategic partner to Batangas State University in aligning academic programs with industry needs. It assists the University in developing graduates with the competencies, skills, and professional attributes required by the workforce while ensuring that academic programs remain responsive to industry standards, professional requirements, and emerging societal and technological developments.

Through regular engagement with the University, Council members will provide insights on workforce trends, emerging skills requirements, evolving technologies, and workplace practices that can inform curriculum development, academic program enhancement, and workforce preparation initiatives. The Council also institutionalizes industry participation in student learning and workforce development by helping integrate industry-relevant competencies into academic programs and learning outcomes.

Beyond its advisory role, members will support initiatives such as industry mentorships, guest lectures, experiential learning opportunities, and workplace exposure programs that connect students to real industry practice and professional environments.

‘Preparing talent for the future requires stronger connections between education and industry. Through the Industry Advisory Council, companies can contribute directly to shaping learning experiences, developing relevant skills, and providing students with greater exposure to real-world industry environments,’ shared Rafael P. Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land. ‘By bringing industry closer to education, we strengthen workforce readiness while helping build the talent pipeline needed to support long-term economic growth.’

The Industry Advisory Council brings together representatives from academia, estate development, and industry to help align education with evolving workforce needs. Its industry members include senior leaders from companies spanning automotive manufacturing, consumer goods, food production, packaging, logistics, semiconductors, and industrial manufacturing, including representatives from some of LIMA Estate’s leading locators such as Yamaha, Furukawa, JTEKT, Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), Japan Tobacco International, Littelfuse, and Aice.

During the onboarding program, Council members formally committed to active participation in Council meetings, consultations, and collaborative activities that will help guide the continuing development of the Industry-Based Learning Model and strengthen engagement between the University and industry partners.

‘The Industry Advisory Council creates a structured mechanism for industry to participate in the continuous enhancement of our academic programs,’ shared Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University. ‘By bringing together leaders from key sectors, we gain valuable insights that help ensure our graduates develop the competencies, technical expertise, and professional attributes required by today’s workforce. These perspectives also help us keep our programs responsive to emerging industry developments and future skills requirements.’

The Council forms part of Talent Edge, Aboitiz Economic Estates’ workforce sustainability platform, which seeks to strengthen talent pipelines by connecting education, industry, and employment opportunities across its economic estates.

‘Building a future-ready workforce requires industry to play an active role in education. Through the Industry Advisory Council, we can help align learning with real-world workforce requirements while giving students greater exposure to the realities of modern manufacturing,’ shared Arnel Recolizado, Chief Green Officer for Yamaha Motor Philippines. ‘This collaboration benefits both industry and society by helping develop skilled talent, expanding opportunities for young people, and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the Philippine economy.’

The initiative supports the development of the Batangas State University – LIMA Campus, which is designed to advance a model of industry-based learning by bringing education and industry into closer collaboration. Located within LIMA Estate, the campus provides students with direct access to operating industries, modern technologies, and professional environments that can enrich learning and strengthen workforce preparation. The 10-hectare Batangas State University – LIMA Campus, located within LIMA Estate’s Industrial Hub, will serve as the Philippines’ first learning hub for industry-based learning, strengthening embedded workforce sustainability by directly linking engineering education with the evolving needs of industrial operations and supporting long-term talent development within the ecosystem.

This vision begins to take shape in August 2026 when the Batangas State University – LIMA Campus welcomes its pioneering batch of 800 freshman engineering and engineering technology students. The interim facility represents the first phase of a planned 10-hectare campus that will further expand opportunities for collaboration among students, educators, and industry partners.

As the Industry Advisory Council begins its work and the Batangas State University – LIMA Campus welcomes its first students, the partnership advances a model where education, employment, and industry development are more closely connected. Through Talent Edge and the BatStateU LIMA Campus, LIMA Estate continues to evolve as a working learning ecosystem where students, educators, and industry leaders can engage more closely, creating stronger pathways from education to employment and supporting the long-term competitiveness of Philippine industry.

This undated photo courtesy of Skyro Lending Inc. shows (lef to right) Skyro Payments Product Manager Daniil Murzabaev and President Anthony Co with Netbank (A Rural Bank) Inc. CEO Iann D. Sicat and Head of Cash Lenders Amiel de Sotto after the executives signed an agreement binding the two companies. The agreement integrates Netbank’s payment solutions with Skyro’s platform.

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.

When it was announced that P-Pop phenom SB19 would play at this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, the A’Tin fan community erupted with such ecstatic joy, fueling brave predictions that the song-and-dance fivesome would ‘slay’ the competition. At the time, it appeared like premature conjecture given the fact that the headliners of the four-day event included Charli XCX, Lorde, The xx and The Smashing Pumpkins.

As SB 19 finally got their slot at the Allianz stage on July 30, the first day of the festival, the hoopla about their upcoming Lollapalooza stint seemed to have been filtered out of the daily outpouring on social media of their rise from the sidelines to the mainstream by dint of hard work and, oh, their undoubtedly great songs. Though this corner wouldn’t speculate on how the initial breast-beating got lost in the shambles, let’s rather take a quick look at the four other groups who would also make their first stand at the Allianz stage.

The day’s opening act, Pearly Drops, the duo of Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Mal, will offer a glimpse of the artful, eclectic side of Finland’s underground music scene. Their latest album titled ‘The Voices Are Coming Back’ has critics dropping references to the weirdness of a David Lynch movie, the music of The Cure and Goth, as well as electroclash and indie disco. Live, Pearly Drops graft disco nostalgia to the more experimental edge of tech-driven music.

Next on the bill will be Australia’s five-man riot act Bad Nerves, whose fleet-footed, hook-filled garage punk-pop has Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong endorsing them as ‘the best band in England right now.’ Of their new album titled ‘Still Nervous,’ Kerrang! observes ‘they take lean garage punk riffs, triple the speed, then throw them in a blender with a full complement of roughshod vocal harmonies, hand-claps and simple, catchy choruses.’ In concert, Bad Nerves push their audience to be as disorderly as possible, with the moshpit central to the nerve-wracking experience.

Our very own P-Pop kings SB19 are smack right in the middle of the five-ring spectacle, raring to make history as the first Filipino group to perform at Lollapalooza.

Singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert will follow our P-Pop royalty. Hobert’s exciting debut titled ‘Who’s the Clown? sees her as one of pop’s smartest up-and-coming stars, delivering synth-heavy bangers, glossy hooks, and brooding acoustic numbers about longing and moving on. Performing live, Audrey Hobert dishes out empowering ear-benders packed with wit, energy and style.

UK’s Wet Leg, the duo of Rhian Teasdale and guitarist and co-writer Hester Chamber, will cap the Allianz stage extravaganza. Wet Leg’s eponymous debut went gold in the UK, made the US Top 20 and won two Brits and two of the three Grammys it was nominated for. Musically, their latest album titled ‘moisturizer’ has Pitchfork calling the record ‘as dazzlingly earnest as it is wry, displaying the staying power of a band that will outlast a sense of novelty.’ In live performances, Wet Leg build a ringing wall of sound from their thundering alternative anthems.

Besides Allianz, there are six other stages on Lollapalooza’s Day 1 featuring equally formidable musical acts from Lorde to Empire of the Sun to Blood Orange to the Viagra Boys.

Catch the Lollapalooza 2026 festival LIVE from the comfort of your home, streaming exclusively on Disney+ from July 31 to August 3, 2026, with the stream starting at 3:45 AM daily.