Category: Business Mirror

SMASH Republic is entering the Philippine pickleball market with the launch of its FROST Series, as the homegrown racquet sports brand looks to capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport and build a broader community of players across the country.

The company marked its market entry with a Kick-Off Rally at Timberland Highlands Resort, bringing together players, partners and supporters for Open Play sessions, the Republic Challenge, target serve and longest dink competitions, and a Mini Tournament.

Founding members Zabyzaky Leccio, Peter Balagulan, Jacklyn Rivera, Prince Constante and Janina Santiago opened the event with ceremonial ‘First Serves.’

More than a product introduction, SMASH Republic is positioning its entry as a community-building initiative aimed at supporting the development of pickleball in the Philippines. Technology-driven product lineup

The company’s debut FROST Series features T700 EUROCORE Advance Honeycomb Technology and a coarser-grit surface designed to provide spin, control, consistency, feel, and durability.

Players who tested the paddles during the launch highlighted their longer dwell time and precise shot placement.

SMASH Republic said its product strategy is focused on offering equipment that can serve players across different stages of development, from beginners and recreational players to competitive athletes.

‘We build communities, not just customers. We showcase real players,’ said Zabyzaky Leccio, CEO of SMASH Republic.

The company plans to develop partnerships with pickleball clubs, coaches, tournaments, and communities as part of its strategy to broaden participation and create more opportunities for Filipino players.

Building a broader portfolio

SMASH Republic is also expanding its product pipeline beyond the FROST Series.

Pre-orders for the BLCK Paddle Series are now available, providing an early look at the company’s next performance-oriented lineup. SMASH Republic is also planning to introduce two additional paddles next year.

The expansion reflects the company’s intention to build a broader presence in the racquet sports market while establishing its brand among the Philippines’ growing pickleball community.

Beyond the domestic market, SMASH Republic said it eventually aims to bring its brand and community-building efforts to other markets in Asia.

Growing with the pickleball market

SMASH Republic Corporation is a performance-focused racquet sports brand currently centered on pickleball. The company combines technology, premium materials, and modern design with an emphasis on accessibility.

Its launch was supported by Salonpas, Drifit MNL, Trucend Business Management Inc., Niolin Industrial Supply, CCIV Prime Concepts, Med Go, Sassin, Secret Sauce Communication, Hobby Display, Pickleball Camp, and Timberland Heights.

With the FROST Series as its initial offering and the BLCK Series and additional products in development, SMASH Republic is looking to establish a sustainable presence in the Philippine market by combining product development with community partnerships.

As pickleball continues to expand its player base in the country, the company sees an opportunity to participate in the sport’s development while building a distinctly Filipino brand with ambitions beyond the domestic market.

Sixty-five years after first opening its doors to guests, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao celebrated its enduring legacy in the city’s hospitality landscape with a grand anniversary gathering of guests, partners, and friends of the hotel on September 1.

The celebration, ‘Panagtigum: The 65th Year Anniversary Celebration,’ commemorated 65 years since the Insular first welcomed guests on September 1, 1961, a milestone shaped by generations of memories and the enduring spirit of Dabawenyo hospitality.

As a Filipino hospitality brand deeply rooted in local culture, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao honored the rich heritage and traditions of Davao through an inspiring cultural presentation by the Madayaw Dance Ensemble. Their vibrant performance brought local traditions and stories to life, adding a distinct sense of place to the evening’s celebration.

The celebration continued with heartfelt musical renditions by the Davao Girls Choir, adding a nostalgic and emotional touch as guests gathered to look back on six and a half decades of shared memories.

Championing Davao’s Farmers

As part of its 65th anniversary celebration, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao also launched ‘Kabilin sa Yuta,’ a corporate social responsibility initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering women farmers across Davao City.

Inspired by the belief that every harvest carries a story, Kabilin sa Yuta shines a light on the women behind the fresh produce that reaches the community’s tables. The initiative aims to celebrate their hard work and resilience while strengthening the connection between local producers and the communities they serve.

As part of the anniversary celebration, guests took home fresh produce sourced from local women farmers as their giveaways, a meaningful gesture that brought together sustainability, community support, and the spirit of ‘sariling atin.’

The initiative will continue through the Kabilin sa Yuta Farmers’ Market, which will be held inside the hotel on September 5-6 and September 12-13, 2026. The market will give guests and members of the community an opportunity to discover and support locally grown products while learning more about the farmers behind them.

Through Kabilin sa Yuta, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao hopes to create greater awareness of the people behind every harvest and help build a stronger bridge between local farmers, businesses, and the community.

Six Decades of Heritage

For 65 years, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao has stood witness to Davao City’s growth and transformation. From its beginnings in 1961, the property has remained a familiar destination for generations of Dabawenyos and visitors to the city.

Its distinct identity is also closely tied to its architecture, designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. The property’s iconic design has become part of Davao’s built heritage, while its continued operation has allowed generations of guests to experience a piece of the city’s history.

Over the years, the hotel has hosted family celebrations, corporate gatherings, government functions, and countless personal milestones creating memories that have become part of its own story.

‘While the years have changed the city around us, one thing has remained constant the warmth of the people who walk through our doors. Our greatest privilege is not simply maintaining a property that has stood for 65 years. It is being entrusted with the memories of generations of Dabawenyos,’ said Hotel Manager Sherry Ross Maglasang.

The anniversary celebration carried the theme ‘Pasigarbo sa Insular: 65 Years of Dabawenyo Hospitality.’ At the heart of the celebration was Panagtigum, which means ‘gathering’ a fitting expression for an evening that brought together the people who have been part of the hotel’s remarkable journey.

The gala was designed as a ‘Trip Down Memory Lane,’ inviting guests to reconnect with cherished memories, childhood experiences, and their cultural roots as Filipinos. Through its atmosphere and performances, the celebration became more than an anniversary it became a collective remembrance of the generations who have grown alongside the Insular. Chief Operating Officer Hanniel T. Ngo of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos also reflected on the hotel’s continuing journey:

‘And as we look toward the future, our commitment only grows stronger to continue creating meaningful experiences, preserving our heritage, and shaping a beautiful landscape of memories for the next generation of Dabawenyos.’

The evening was a celebration of the past, a recognition of the people who continue to shape its present, and a look toward the future of Dabawenyo hospitality.

As it enters its 66th year, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao looks toward the future while remaining anchored in the values that have defined its six-and-a-half-decade history.

From the first guests welcomed through its doors in 1961 to the guests it continues to serve today, the hotel’s 65-year journey reflects not only the story of a hospitality institution, but also the story of generations of Dabawenyos who have grown alongside it, making the Insular more than a destination, but a cherished part of Davao’s heritage.

Angel’s Pizza is giving its community more reasons to enjoy their favorites with the launch of its new mobile application on September 4, introducing a built-in loyalty program that allows customers to earn and redeem points with their purchases.

Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the new Angel’s Pizza app replaces the brand’s previous mobile application and introduces Blessings, its new loyalty points system designed to reward customers as they continue to order from Angel’s Pizza.

Through the Blessings program, customers earn one Blessing for every PHP 100 spent on transactions made through the app. Each Blessing is equivalent to PHP 1 when redeemed, giving customers the flexibility to use their accumulated points toward future purchases.

New users will also receive 100 Welcome Blessings upon registration, giving them an immediate introduction to the app’s rewards program.

For Angel’s Pizza, the addition of a loyalty program goes beyond offering another digital way to order. It is part of the brand’s effort to recognize the customers who continue to choose Angel’s Pizza and make their experience with the brand more rewarding over time.

‘Our community has always been an important part of Angel’s Pizza, and we wanted the new app to give us another way to serve them better,’ said Murielle Lucas, Digital Marketing Manager of Angel’s Pizza. ‘With Blessings, every purchase made through the app can become part of something customers can enjoy on their next order. It is our way of rewarding loyalty while making their experience with Angel’s Pizza more convenient and worthwhile.’

The new application also continues to accommodate the use of the APC, allowing existing members to continue enjoying its benefits alongside the features introduced through the new platform.

With the new app and Blessings program, Angel’s Pizza is strengthening its digital customer experience while giving its community a more direct way to engage with the brand and be rewarded for their continued patronage.

The Angel’s Pizza mobile app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, giving customers access to mobile ordering and the new Blessings loyalty program in one platform.

Dongfeng Motors Philippines is pushing EV ownership to new heights with PROTECH, introducing a maintenance philosophy designed to challenge conventional automotive ownership.

As electric mobility continues to gain momentum in the Philippines, Dongfeng remains focused not only on delivering innovative vehicles but also on ensuring that customers enjoy confidence and peace of mind throughout their ownership journey. PROTECH represents the brand’s latest initiative to elevate the overall customer experience through enhanced warranty coverage and an optimized preventive maintenance program.

Last August 21, 2026, Dongfeng Motors Philippines formally introduced PROTECH to members of the Nammi EV Owners Club Philippines, giving the growing community of electric vehicle owners an early look at the new ownership benefits and the company’s continued commitment to enhancing the EV ownership experience.

Under PROTECH, current Dongfeng Nammi and Vigo owners will benefit from the revised Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) schedule, with servicing now required every 18 months or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

New Dongfeng Nammi and Vigo owners will enjoy the full benefits of the PROTECH ownership program, including:

? 18 Months or 15,000 Kilometers Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) interval ? 10-Year Unlimited Mileage Battery Warranty

? 5-Year Bumper-to-Bumper Vehicle Warranty

By extending the preventive maintenance interval from the previous schedule, PROTECH allows current owners to spend less time in the service center while reducing maintenance frequency and ownership costs, without compromising vehicle reliability or performance. For new owners, the program provides comprehensive coverage designed to deliver greater assurance and long-term value throughout their EV ownership journey.

‘This change is not something we made lightly. The updated maintenance schedule is based on operational experience, allowing us to extend the service interval while continuing to maintain vehicle reliability, safety, and performance,’ said Mr. Rollie Navarro, Sales Director, Dongfeng Motors Philippines.

‘We care about the value proposition we provide with every car you purchase. With PROTECH, we will continue to innovate and work on ways to give our customers greater value and a better ownership experience,’ said Mr. Giovanni Frias, VP for Sales and Operations, Dongfeng Motors Philippines.

Combined with the warranty benefits available to new owners, PROTECH reflects Dongfeng’s continued efforts to provide an ownership experience that is convenient, dependable, and built around customer confidence.

‘The future of ownership isn’t just about selling an electric vehicle. It’s about standing behind every kilometer our customers drive,’ said Mr. Brennan Lim, Deputy CEO, Dongfeng Motors Philippines.

‘PROTECH reflects our confidence in the quality and reliability of the Vigo and Nammi while reinforcing our promise to deliver an ownership experience that is convenient, dependable, and built for the long term. As we continue to grow our presence in the Philippine EV market, we remain committed to continuously enhancing the value we provide to every customer.’

The launch of PROTECH underscores Dongfeng’s confidence in its advanced electric vehicle technology and engineering. The 10-Year Unlimited Mileage Battery Warranty highlights the brand’s commitment to battery durability and long-term performance, while the 5-Year Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty offers comprehensive protection for new owners, allowing them to drive with greater confidence.

Beyond enhanced coverage, PROTECH is part of Dongfeng’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve the ownership experience by providing practical solutions that meet the evolving needs of Filipino motorists. Through continuous product development, customer-focused programs, and strengthened aftersales support, Dongfeng aims to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible, convenient, and worry-free.

With PROTECH, Dongfeng Motors Philippines sets a new benchmark for EV ownership, combining innovative mobility with optimized maintenance, comprehensive protection for new owners, and long-term peace of mind.

For more information about the Vigo, Nammi, and the new PROTECH ownership program, visit your nearest Dongfeng dealership or follow Dongfeng Motors Philippines on its official social media channels.

For aftersales assistance, customers may contact the Aftersales Hotline at (+63) 917 110 0596. To schedule vehicle servicing, appointments may be made through the Service Appointment Hotline at (+63) 917 144 6327.

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) will identify priority economic zones where Primelectric Holdings, Inc. (PHI) could study the viability of establishing electricity distribution systems, as the agency seeks to strengthen power reliability in areas hosting or attracting investors.

Peza and PHI, a company under the Razon Group, signed an agreement recently to explore the development of power distribution systems within Peza economic zones.

Under the agreement, Peza will determine the priority ecozones for assessment, while PHI will evaluate the feasibility and operational viability of providing distribution services in the selected areas.

The arrangement is intended to determine where dedicated power-distribution systems could be viable, particularly as reliable electricity remains a key consideration for industrial and commercial investors.

PHI will draw on its power-distribution experience through its units MORE Electric and Power Corp., Negros Electric and Power Corp., and Bohol Light Co. Inc.

Energy security has also emerged as a government priority amid efforts to support industrial activity and attract new investments.

For Peza Director General Tereso Panga, reliable electricity is increasingly an investment consideration rather than simply a utility issue.

‘Energy reliability is no longer just a utility concern-it is an investment concern,’ Panga said in a statement.

He said the partnership could help Peza ensure that its economic zones have adequate power infrastructure as new areas are developed.

‘By working with an experienced distributor like Primelectric, we are not just securing our own zones, we are also contributing to the bigger national goal of a more resilient and reliable power system, wherever in the country our ecozones may rise,’ Panga said.

The agency aims to give investors greater certainty over power availability when they consider locating operations in Peza zones.

‘We want investors to know that by the time they are ready to commit, power will be one less question they need to ask,’ he added.

For many Filipino families, saving money is easier said than done. Daily expenses often take priority, leaving little to set aside for emergencies or future plans. Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank took on this challenge through Ipon Moves, a savings advocacy designed to make saving feel more practical, relatable, and within reach.

The initiative recently earned a Bronze Stevie® Award for Purpose-Led Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 23rd Annual International Business Awards, recognizing its ability to address a real financial concern while giving Filipinos an engaging and accessible way to take action.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, said the recognition reflects the initiative’s larger purpose. ‘Ipon Moves is far more than a campaign. It is a strategic movement to drive financial inclusion and empower every Filipino to build long-term capability. This recognition validates our commitment to breaking down barriers and making savings genuinely accessible, relevant, and impactful across every community we reach. At Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, we view financial security not as a luxury but as the foundational bedrock for national resilience and economic mobility.’

Timed around World Savings Day on October 31, Ipon Moves was shaped by the realities of how Filipinos save. Drawing on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data that underscored the continuing need to strengthen saving habits and financial preparedness, the campaign turned an important financial issue into a conversation grounded in everyday Filipino life.

Last year, Ipon Moves hit the road, visiting Cebuana Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank branches nationwide to celebrate Filipinos’ inspiring spirit of saving. A campaign highlight was the ‘Wish IPON a Dream’ Wall, where clients shared their personal dreams and the motivations behind their savings goals. Each note told a different story of hope, perseverance, and love: from plans for a better future to dreams for loved ones, showing that behind every Filipino’s savings is a deeper purpose. Some lucky participants were even surprised when their wishes were granted, turning their personal savings goals into meaningful moments.

The campaign also gave a clear message: open a savings account and start building the habit. This continues through Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank’s branch network and digital platforms, supported by interactive activities, relatable stories, and content that connected saving to familiar, everyday situations.

This practical and human approach was central to what made Ipon Moves stand out at the Stevie® Awards. The campaign went beyond telling Filipinos that saving is important. It created opportunities for them to engage with the message, connect it to their own aspirations, and take action. By combining a relevant financial challenge with timely advocacy and an accessible experience, Ipon Moves demonstrated how purpose-led marketing can help turn financial awareness into meaningful behavior.

The Bronze Stevie® forms part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s many distinctions at the 2026 International Business Awards, reflecting the organization’s work across financial services, business development, and social impact.

For Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, the recognition reinforces its commitment to making savings easier to understand, easier to start, and more meaningful to everyday Filipinos. Because behind every ipon is a dream worth working toward, and every peso saved can bring that dream a little closer.

The all-star cast includes fan-favorite stories from Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and more.

The only place you can catch multiple characters from Disney’s Wish!

Tickets On Pre-Sale August 7 via SM Ticketmaster

[PASAY CITY, and CEBU CITY – AUGUST 3, 2026] – Disney On Ice is bringing the party to hometowns across the country, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience’s favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show. Get ready to turn up the fun when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! visits for the very first time-SM Seaside Cebu Arena from November 28 to December 6 and at the SM Mall of Asia Arena from December 18 to January 3.

This production invites guests to belt out Disney’s chart-topping tunes, as their favorite stories are brought to life on and above the ice. Fans are sure to be wowed by the cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs.

Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance, and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure!

This all-new and thrilling Disney On Ice production features fan-favorite stories including:

WISH

Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas will magically come to life, featuring even more characters from Wish. Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together to bring to life ‘This Wish,’ ‘I’m a Star,’ and ‘This Is The Thanks I Get?!’

FROZEN 2

Journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that ‘Some Things Never Change.’ Visit the river full of memory, Ahtohallan, as Elsa asks memories of the past to ‘Show Yourself,’ and Olaf thinks this will all make sense ‘When I’m Older.’

THE LION KING

Escaping to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala from The Lion King, audiences should ‘Be Prepared’ as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say ‘Hakuna Matata’ as everyone celebrates the ‘Circle of Life.’

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Skilled maestro, Sebastian, strikes a chord ‘Under the Sea’ when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters, and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures from The Little Mermaid. Guests will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric with a wish to become ‘Part of Your World,’ and a symphony of lagoon insects perform ‘Kiss the Girl.’

MOANA

The audience will immediately ‘Know The Way’ when Moana shows them ‘How Far I’ll Go,’ as she journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Ka. Along the way she meets Maui who reminds everyone ‘You’re Welcome.’ The duo comes face to face with Tamatoa who hasn’t always been this ‘Shiny.’

WHERE: SM SEASIDE CEBU ARENA

WHEN: November 28, Saturday 3:00PM 7:00PM

November 29, Sunday 3:00PM 7:00PM

WHERE: SM MALL OF ASIA ARENA

WHEN: December 18, Friday 3:00PM 7:00PM

December 19, Saturday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

December 20, Sunday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

December 22, Tuesday 1:00PM 5:00PM

December 23, Wednesday 1:00PM 5:00PM

December 25, Friday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

December 26, Saturday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

December 27, Sunday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

December 29, Tuesday 1:00PM 5:00PM

December 30, Wednesday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

January 1, Friday 1:00PM 5:00PM

January 2, Saturday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

January 3, Sunday 11:00AM 3:00PM 7:00PM

TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.ph

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience.

As the official bank partner of Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance!, Metrobank, together with Mastercard, gives Metrobank Mastercard credit, debit and prepaid cardholders exclusive first access to tickets through a special presale from August 7 at 10:00 AM until August 10 at 10:00 AM.

Cardholders can secure the best available seats before tickets are released to the general public.

Following the exclusive Metrobank Mastercard presale, tickets will be available to the general public beginning August 10 at 12:00 PM.

THE construction of the P33-billion farm-to-market road (FMR) projects for 2026 is expected to begin in the fourth quarter following previous delays, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA only received the special allotment release order (Saro) for the FMR projects in end-August, with bidding slated to start this month.

Government agencies should secure a Saro from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for funds to be disbursed.

‘The [probable construction] is in October, November, December [then these will be completed] by the end of 2027,’ Tiu Laurel recently told reporters.

He said the DA decided to retain the P15 million per-kilometer cost due to the surge in materials and pump prices wrought by the Middle East war.

Prior to the war that triggered the global oil crisis, Tiu Laurel expressed confidence that the agency can lower the standard per-kilometer cost to as low as P13.5 million depending on the terrain.

‘Then the crisis came and [the prices of] everything went up, so we only reverted it back to P15 million,’ he said.

For 2027, the DA earmarked P16 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of FMR projects under its National Expenditures Program (NEP).

Tiu Laurel, however, said the proposed funding is not enough to slash the 55,000 kilometers FMR requirement deficit nationwide.

‘It will be better if it’s P60 billion to P66 billion annually to finish that in 12 years or P125 billion a year to complete this in six years. But of course, we’re limited by the fiscal space,’ he said.

Despite this, Tiu Laurel said he remains hopeful that Congress and Senate will increase the budget allocation for FMRs next year.

The DA has taken over the development and implementation of FMR projects following the controversial infrastructure projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Early this year, the agency launched the FMR Watch, a transparency and monitoring portal by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE).

The portal has tracked 6,428 projects between 2021 and 2026. The total investment reached P109.53 billion, covering around 2,485 kilometers of roads nationwide. Of these, only 3,235 projects have been completed.

The DA said the construction of these FMRs will lower production costs and raise farmers’ incomes, thus reducing food prices.

ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin said the country would need ‘about P60 billion’ worth of assistance to reduce financial barriers in early-stage geothermal exploration, covering 2,000 megawatts (MW) of potential geothermal capacity.

There is already a P10-billion Philippine Geothermal Resource De-Risking Facility (PGRDF)-a risk-sharing mechanism that converts unsuccessful drilling costs into grants while turning successful exploration funds into repayable loans-that can cover roughly 300MW of new geothermal capacity.

However, the DOE said as much as 2,000MW more of geothermal capacity can be developed.

Garin said the P10 billion is ‘good enough only for 300 megawatts. Imagine if you want the whole 2,000 megawatts that would be P60 billion. That’s a huge amount,’ she said.

The DOE and the Land Bank of the Philippines earlier established the PGRDF. The DOE will serve as the executing agency, responsible for policy direction and governance, including the establishment of technical standards, eligibility criteria, and overall program oversight. LandBank will act as the facility administrator and manager, overseeing sub-loan applications, milestone-based funding releases, collections, and program reporting.

Garin is hoping that if and when the P10 billiion PGRDF is tapped out, there will be other financial institutions that would assist the DOE again. ‘Hopefully, there’s enough momentum in the industry that can encourage development even without the de-risking facility. But if it’s needed, we can always attempt to get more of that kind. It could be with the ADB or other types. I think if it’s successful, not just the ADB will offer,’ she said.

The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) fully supports the PGRDF.

NGAP said the PGRDF addresses the high upfront risks of exploration drilling and is expected to revitalize greenfield geothermal development, unlock indigenous baseload renewable energy resources, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and support long-term sustainable development.

‘We work with NGAP, we work with the other agencies, to make sure that we choose the correct projects to fund for this facility,’ added Garin.

THE Department of Education (DepEd) said around 93,000 public school personnel are set to receive salary adjustments under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System following the release of P8.68 billion in funding by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara said Friday the funding will cover salary differentials for qualified personnel occupying 93,344 reclassified teaching and school head positions nationwide for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

‘We welcome this release and look forward to seeing its benefits reach our teachers in the soonest possible time. Our teachers have worked hard for their professional growth, and it is important that the recognition and compensation that come with their career advancement are felt by them as soon as possible,’ Angara said.

He thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon for supporting the career advancement of teachers and school heads.

‘We want our teachers to see that there is a long-term career ahead of them in the classroom,’ Angara said.

The ECP System provides public school teachers with expanded opportunities for professional advancement while allowing them to remain in the teaching track instead of having to move into administrative positions to advance their careers.

The P8.68-billion release will cover funding requirements for personnel who have been issued Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action (NOSCA) and appointments.

DepEd said it will coordinate with its regional offices and DBM regional offices to facilitate the release of the funds and implementation of the salary adjustments.

The department also welcomed the proposed P12.09-billion allocation for the ECP System under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The proposed amount is P5.94 billion, or 96.6 percent, higher than the program’s 2026 allocation.

DepEd said the additional funding would allow more teachers and school personnel to advance professionally and receive corresponding compensation as the government expands the career progression system.

Angara said investing in teachers’ career development is also critical to strengthening the country’s education system.

‘Kapag inalagaan natin ang career ng ating mga guro, mas napapalakas natin ang ating mga paaralan at mas maganda ang kinabukasang maibibigay natin sa ating mga learners,’ he said.