Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has provided financial and relief assistance to communities in Davao Oriental and Cebu affected by recent earthquakes.

In a statement, LandBank said it extended P3.2 million in financial aid and P3.1 million worth of relief packs during simultaneous operations led by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and LandBank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz on October 23.

In Davao Oriental, LandBank turned over P500,000 to the provincial government and P200,000 each to the City of Mati and Municipality of Manay.

The bank also distributed 1,000 grocery packs to displaced families, funded partly by employee donations.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, LandBank disbursed P2.3 million in financial aid to 11 municipalities, including P500,000 each to Medellin, San Remigio and Daanbantayan, and P100,000 each to Tabogon, Tabuelan, Sogod, Borbon, Catmon, Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos.

About 2,600 relief packs were also turned over to local social welfare offices in these areas and in Bogo City.

The bank said the latest initiative builds on its earlier relief efforts, which included P4.9 million in aid for Cebu, Bogo City and Masbate, along with 2,000 food packs, 32 portable water filtration systems and the deployment of mobile ATMs to restore financial access in affected areas.

‘LandBank remains steadfast in providing timely assistance to our fellow Filipinos during times of crisis. Beyond immediate relief, we are equally focused on supporting the long-term recovery and rebuilding of affected communities,’ Ortiz said.

Beyond relief operations, LandBank also rolled out financial programs to support long-term recovery, such as the Cares Plus for MSMEs and cooperatives, Electronic Salary Loan, EasyCash for Emergencies, PeER Loan for pensioners and government employees, and Emergency Loans of up to P25,000.

‘Today, we bring the assurance that we have the means, the resources, and the resolve to support every community affected. We have enough funds to respond quickly, to rebuild, and to come back stronger,’ Recto said in his message.

LandBank is among the first to respond to DOF Circular 003-2025, which ordered all government financial institutions and state-run corporations to immediately deploy relief operations to calamity-hit areas.

Following this order, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) provided emergency and calamity loans to qualified members and pensioners.

In a separate statement, the Department of Finance said GSIS released P187.68 million in loans to 6,394 members, while SSS disbursed P639.52 million to 38,852 members as of October 6.

The Home Development Mutual Fund, or Pag-IBIG Fund, also extended calamity loans and insurance claims to housing loan borrowers, while LandBank facilitated salary loans for employees and recovery financing for farmers, fishers, MSMEs, cooperatives, and utilities affected by the disaster.

Further, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation activated coverage for quake-hit farmers, and the Small Business Corporation rolled out rehabilitation financing for MSMEs.

Other state-run firms, including the National Food Authority, Light Rail Transit Authority, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, also mobilized relief operations, distributing food packs, bottled water, hygiene kits and medical supplies.

AS expected, the lines started forming more than a day before the midnight countdown. While this annual ‘pilgrimage’ of Apple fans has become a familiar ritual within the Philippine ‘Techtober’ calendar, this year felt genuinely different. Every retail staff we talked to confirmed the excitement was palpably unprecedented, drawing noticeably more people to the queue compared to the last few years.

This extraordinary buzz wasn’t sustained solely by the promise of freebies; it was a powerful, collective reaction to the iPhone 17’s genuine leap in features. The global anticipation for the iPhone 17 Series was already intense, justified by a new blazing-fast A19 chip, ProMotion displays even for the base model, an improved camera system, a noticeable redesign, and the addition of the headline-grabbing iPhone Air. The queue served as definitive proof: people are willing to line up for long hours, even days, to be the first to get their hands on a great device.

This strategic sweet spot is something that Premium Apple Authorized Reseller iStudio Plus has been preparing for. They transformed the midnight release into a full-scale event at their BGC flagship store, evolving it from a mere point of sale into a full-blown cultural festival. iStudio Plus designed the event as an all-day affair filled with music, art, and the unmistakable, highly marketable energy of the local Apple fanbase, effectively positioning immersive retail as the strategic successor to simple product hype. In an era dominated by rapid e-commerce and gray market competition, this investment in a physical, memorable launch experience is perhaps iStudio Plus’s most compelling differentiator.

According to the team, the iPhone 17 series drew a response unlike anything seen during the iPhone 16 rollout, reflecting both pent-up excitement and renewed enthusiasm for Apple’s design language. While their Bonifacio High Street flagship store hosted the main spectacle, festivities extended to other branches across the metro, ensuring fans in different cities could experience the excitement firsthand.

Building on the strong impression they made during the iPhone 16 unveiling, the team used this year’s event to formally usher in their ‘Prime Era.’

‘For iStudio Plus, this marks a standout moment-not just because of the new iPhones but because of what it represented,’ said Patrick Yeung, president and CEO of iStudioPlus.

‘This gathering marks the start of our Prime Era, a new chapter that redefines what iStudio Plus stands for. Showcasing the brand’s evolution into something bigger and more engaging-a destination that goes beyond retail.’

Rewarding the value of in-person moments

WITH everything now just a tap away, enduring long waiting times for a gadget might seem unnecessary. Yet the hundreds who showed up outside iStudio Plus tell a different story. Their presence highlights something that convenience alone can’t replace-the thrill of being part of a shared moment and the sense of camaraderie that comes from experiencing a premiere together.

The open space outside the store pulsed with DJ Nico Yabut’s beats as the crowd gathered for the countdown. The first in line-who reportedly arrived as early as 12:01 am of October 15, 2025-was treated to a special moment onstage and received an extravagant accessory package including an AirTag Monocozzi, Belkin Soundform Headphones, free extended warranty, limited edition tote bag, limited edition Notebook, AirPods Pro 2, a 3-in-1 Choetech charger, an Apple adapter, Audio Series TWS Earbuds (Black and Beige), Mobile Series Lanyard/USB-C Cable (Purple and Green), Ugreen HiTune Earbuds, Divoom iTour-S, Audio Series Hybrid ANC Headphones, and Shokz OpenRun 2, a detail that quickly generated significant social media buzz.

The sense of shared fanfare was amplified by the presence of some of the country’s hottest stars and personalities. Attendees were thrilled by appearances from fan favorites like Christine Samson, AZ Martinez, Albert ‘Asian Cutie’ Nicolas, Angel Guardian, and the inspirational Ayn Bernos. The entertainment peaked with high-energy performances from The Alliance and the unique sounds of Yoki and Kiyo.

To keep energy levels high throughout the day, iStudio Plus prepared an engaging queue experience designed to treat attendees as guests, not just customers. Those waiting in line got to participate in booths featuring mini-games, prize giveaways, while the interactive photo zones kept spirits up as the clock ticked toward the final moment.

When asked why people line-up for hours despite preorders and online availability, Bettina Ting, marketing lead of iStudio Plus Philippines, shared, ‘There’s something different about being there when it happens. People don’t just come to buy the phone-they come to experience the energy, the countdown, and get to meet the community that forms around these launches. Beyond the freebies, meeting their favorite celebrities and influencers, enjoying the live performances, and winning prizes from partner brands like Havit and Insta360 made the day-long wait well worth it.’

The architecture of immersive retail

THIS year’s theme, ‘The Power of Partnerships,’ was the architectural blueprint for the immersion strategy. Immersive booths by HAVIT, Insta360, EcoFlow, and SHOKZ, demonstrated a comprehensive accessory ecosystem that positioned the iPhone 17 as the central hub of a powerful workflow and digital lifestyle.

For the consumer, it solves the problem of how to best utilize their new device for productivity, content creation, and finance-all in one place. Beyond pure technology, iStudio Plus’ growing focus on the local tech circle and localization served as the artistic anchor for the evening. This came through in its collaboration with local artist Raki, who created a live art installation that became the centerpiece of the limited-edition RAKI × iStudio Plus collection. This integration of local art demonstrates a conscious effort to connect with consumer lifestyle, creating a differentiated retail environment beyond the typical box store. ‘The camaraderie aspect of our retail approach has always been central to what we do,’ said Ting. ‘Our collaboration with Raki reflects that belief-showing how technology and artistry can come together to create a more meaningful experience. Through the launch, we wanted to build a space where fans, influencers, and partner brands could connect and celebrate not just the iPhone 17 but the shared passion that drives the community.’

Unparalleled value and financial incentives

iStudio Plus partnered with several leading financial institutions and trade experts, to offer unparalleled value for the new iPhone 17 series through a comprehensive suite of midnight launch exclusive deals. UnionBank led the offers, providing a compelling zero-percent interest, 24-month installment plan at cash price, plus an additional P1,000 cashback via UB PayEasy. Early UnionBank card users were also rewarded with AirPods 4. Beyond this, a wide array of payment flexibility was available, with PNB, Security Bank, and RCBC all offering flexible Buy Now, Pay Later plans featuring zero-percent interest for up to 24 months. BPI cardholders enjoyed their own special pricing and flexible payment terms. Finally, Home Credit made the device accessible with special pricing and zero-percent interest for up to 24 months, while PlusTrade offered substantial trade-in discounts, allowing customers to save up to P56,500 when upgrading from the iPhone 16 series.

Commercial success and the Prime Era

AT exactly 12 am, cheers erupted as customers finally got their hands on the new iPhone 17 series. The customer rewards were generous and memorable: the first 60 customers received complimentary Shake Shack meals, while the top 30 walked away with premium accessory bundles and gifts ranging in value from a staggering ?47,000 up to ?71,000. The resulting metrics speak volumes: according to iStudio Plus, this year’s debut recorded more than a 50 percent increase in pre-orders compared to the iPhone 16, solidifying this as one of the biggest launch nights in the brand’s history and proving the viability of their engagement strategy. Based on their initial sales figures, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Silver and Cosmic Orange color variants with 256GB storage emerged as the top favorites.

Replicating last year’s success was difficult; topping it was even harder. Yet with its bold new direction, iStudio Plus delivered a confident start to its Prime Era-redefining the retail experience through innovation, creativity, and genuine community connection. It’s a clear statement that iStudio Plus strives to go beyond the traditional reseller model, redefining the retail experience as one driven by innovation, creativity, and genuine connection.

THE first Casetify case I purchased was for my iPhone XR and this was during the pandemic. It was a collaboration with an artist. The next Casetify phone case I got was for my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3. I use Samsung Flipsuit cases for the Z Flip7 I am using right now but sometimes, I look for variety and, truthfully, it’s not easy to find cute and durable (not just decorative) cases for non-iPhones so I am glad that Casetify is there to fulfill that need.

As Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 phones in July, Casetify also released cases for these smartphones.

Casetify has added magnetic rings to the case offerings for enhanced functionality. It also unveiled two new models compatible with the Flip7 device: The Impact Hinge Magnetic Case and the Ripple Case.

There are hundreds of prints and designs available alongside limitless customization options, ensuring there is a style for everyone. The Impact HD Screen Protector is also available for both the Z Flip7 and Z Fold7, providing scratch-resistant and antimicrobial HD clarity.

Casetify cases aren’t just aesthetically pleasing. They are also durable. The Z Flip7 Impact Magnetic Case has 6ft drop protection, 3 x Military Grade Standard (MIL-STD-810G), a raised bezel for screen protection, side sockets for easy charm attachment, wireless charging, and is magnetic accessory compatible. Customization is available.

The Z Flip7 Clear Magnetic Case is optimized to prevent yellowing, offers long-lasting clarity and has 6.6 ft drop protection, 3 x Military Grade Standard (MIL-STD-810G), and wireless charging. It is magnetic accessory compatible.

The Z Fold7 Impact Magnetic Case offers 4ft drop protection, 1x MIL-STD-810G, raised bezel for screen protection, wireless charging, and is magnetic accessory compatible.

The Z Fold Clear Magnetic Case is optimized to prevent yellowing and offers long-lasting clarity, 4ft drop protection, 1x MIL-STD-810G, and wireless charging. It is magnetic accessory compatible.

Casetify’s Impact series has many customizable options in hundreds of patterns. It features raised bezels and has robust impact absorption. You can also add magnetism and change the opaqueness. You can also add a stand.

Aside from two cases (the Crochet Granny Squares and a Flowers Bloom Rainbow), I also got a Rope Cross-body Strap because I have always wanted to wear my phone on a strap if there are events where I need to take pictures or videos. Casetify also has camera and screen protectors for Samsung phones.

In August, Casetify also released the Tomorrow X Together | Casetify Collection, created in collaboration with Gen Z icons Tomorrow X Together (Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai).

This collection’s designs were inspired by Tomorrow X Together’s recently released fourth studio album The Star Chapter: Together and feature visual interpretations of the themes from the album’s tracks. The design elements applied throughout the artwork reflect Tomorrow X Together’s new logo and album concept, offering a unique collectible value.

The Tomorrow X Together | Casetify Collection is the first-ever full tech accessories collaboration by the group, consisting of a variety of products including phone cases, earbud cases, Snappy grip holders, and keychain charms. This collection supports all the latest devices, including the iPhone 16 series and Samsung Galaxy S and Z series.

MORE than 200 local officials, lawmakers, and other leaders have united in expressing their strong support for the passage of Sen. Bam Aquino’s Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, saying the proposed measure aims to help address the classroom backlog in public schools across the country.

Senate Bill No. 121, authored by Aquino, seeks to decentralize classroom construction by authorizing not only the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but also local government units (LGUs) and qualified non-government organizations (NGOs) with a proven track record in school-building projects to build classrooms that meet the Department of Education’s standards and guidelines within their respective jurisdictions.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), headed by its national president, Echague Mayor Inno Dy; Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte; Tampakan Mayor Leonard Escobillo; Infanta, Quezon Mayor LA Ruanto; Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro; and Akbayan Partylist Reps. Chel Diokno and Perci Cendana, were among those who expressed support for Aquino’s measure.

Various vice governors, vice mayors, councilors, board members, and former local officials from across the Philippines also joined in expressing support for the proposed legislation.

Belmonte also encouraged fellow Local Chief Executives (LCE) to back this endeavor of building classrooms and show that ‘we are capable of upholding honest, efficient, and accountable governance.’

Mayor Escobillo, who also serves as president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-South Cotabato chapter and LMP vice president for the Mindanao cluster, said local governments are ‘more than willing and ready to take on this role and work with the national government to address the classroom backlog.’

Mayor Teodoro, for her part, shared the same sentiment and joined the growing clamor to transfer classroom construction functions to LGUs.

‘Local governments are ready to build and complete more classrooms. We join the call of PBBM and Sen. Bam Aquino to devolve classroom construction to LGUs, ensuring faster implementation, better cost efficiency, and stronger accountability at the local level,’ Teodoro said.

‘It is critical that we prioritize the learning environments for the next generation. We fully support Senator Bam Aquino’s Classroom-building Acceleration Program [CAP] Act, which will empower LGUs to build classrooms,’ Ruanto said.

‘Ang pagbibigay-kapangyarihan sa DepEd, LGUs, at NGOs na umaksyon at itayo ang mahahalagang espasyong ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa imprastraktura. Ito ay tungkol sa pamumuhunan sa mas magandang kinabukasan para sa bawat batang Pilipino, na nagbibigay sa kanila ng pantay na pagkakataon na matuto at umunlad,’ he added.

Diokno and Cendana also expressed support for the measure, saying it will empower LGUs in constructing quality and safe classrooms.

‘The Administration should prioritize the welfare of our youth and certify this proposed measure as urgent so we can provide every Filipino student with a safe, complete, and conducive place to learn. Once enacted into law, this measure will empower local government units [LGUs] and qualified non-government organizations to take part in building classrooms efficiently and transparently,’ Diokno stressed.

‘We need the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act championed by Sen. Bam Aquino upang pabilisin ang pagpapatayo ng mga classrooms. Ma-e-empower natin ang mga local governments and NGOs na magtayo ng dagdag na silid aralan,’ Cendana said, adding that quick action is needed to save the country’s education from the brink.

Leaders, fellows, and members of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership and the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, led by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, also added their voice to the growing clamor for Aquino’s measure, calling on the Chief Executive to certify this vital bill as urgent.

‘The nation faces a significant, crisis-level shortage of classrooms and learning spaces, directly impacting the quality of education for millions of Filipino children. This legislative measure is crucial for immediately addressing this gap,’ the group said.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, earlier urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the proposed measure as urgent to accelerate efforts to eliminate the country’s classroom backlog.

If passed into law, Aquino said Senate Bill No. 121 will complement President Marcos’ directive to directly channel funds to LGUs to help speed up the construction of much-needed classrooms.

During the Senate hearing on the DPWH budget, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon expressed full support for Aquino’s proposal, saying the agency is open to partnerships that will help accelerate the construction of much-needed classrooms nationwide.

FOREIGN borrowings greenlit by the Monetary Board plunged by over 70 percent in the third quarter, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

On Friday, the BSP said the Monetary Board approved $1.10 billion worth of proposed public-sector foreign borrowings in the third quarter of the year.

This represents a 71.13-percent decrease from the $3.81 billion in approved foreign debt in the same period a year ago.

The Central Bank said the loans, which have medium- to long-term maturities, were intended for social protection projects.

According to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, the drop in foreign borrowings shows the government’s strategy to rely less on external financing.

This year, the government’s financing mix is set at 81:19, in favor of domestic sources. This means P2.106 trillion will be borrowed from the local debt market, while P494 billion will come from foreign financiers.

Moreover, Ricafort said the lower external borrowings also reflect cautiousness amid heightened foreign-exchange risks.

Ricafort told the BusinessMirror that it was part of the ‘learning from the lessons from past crisis periods, as foreign loans could lead to foreign-exchange losses for those borrowers that are not hedged.’

The peso traded near nine-month highs against the US dollar and close to the record P59 level that was sustained for more than three years already, Ricafort added.

‘Thus, lower amount of approved foreign loans reflected that cautiousness vs. potential forex losses that entail US dollar and other foreign loans,’ Ricafort said.

Ricafort also noted that since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, the US dollar has appreciated by around 15 percent, making foreign borrowings more expensive not only in terms of interest costs but also potential forex losses.

From January to September this year, public-sector foreign borrowings reached $12.28 billion.

Under Section 20, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and as mandated under Letter of Instructions No. 158 dated January 21, 1974, the BSP is tasked to approve the government’s foreign loans.

‘Under the law, all foreign borrowing proposals by the national government, government agencies, and government financial institutions, as well as loans to be guaranteed by the national government require prior approval of the BSP’s Monetary Board. This is in line with the BSP’s tasks of ensuring that the country’s foreign debt remains manageable,’ the BSP said.

The government’s outstanding debt reached P17.468 trillion as of end-August, up by 12.3 percent from P15.550 trillion during the same period a year ago.

Of the total debt stock, 69.19 percent was borrowed locally, while 30.81 percent came from foreign sources.

The Bureau of the Treasury said this is a ‘generally more favorable debt position,’ since domestic debts are less vulnerable to shifts in foreign-exchange movements.

‘Domestic borrowing is largely owed to Filipinos themselves, providing a safe and secure investment vehicle for wealth growth while also ensuring that the money circulates back into the local economy,’ the Treasury added.

THE Clark Development Corporation (CDC) was among 59 government agencies honored for exemplary public service during the 2025 Report Card Survey (RCS) Awards of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) held on October 23 at Conrad Manila.

CDC received the Silver Award after earning a ‘Very Satisfactory’ rating in the 2024 RCS 2.0 1st Cycle Implementation. The survey assessed 904 government offices nationwide, measuring compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera accepted the award on behalf of the corporation, joined by Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group Atty. Noelle Mina Meneses, Vice President for Legal Affairs Group Atty. Gloria Victoria Taruc, and Vice President for Security Services Group PMGen. Lina Sarmiento (Ret.)

In her message, Devanadera underscored the role of ARTA reforms in improving governance and investor confidence.

‘Now, we see and appreciate how ARTA has transformed governance and service delivery. The first thing that our investors and locators look for is the ease of doing business,’ she said.

‘In fact, that is the competitive edge of other countries over the Philippine economic zones. It is ARTA that spells the difference in making a decision for foreign investors-whether they will invest in the Philippines or in other parts of the world,’ she added.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez lauded the awardees for institutionalizing reforms and enhancing frontline services.

‘With this milestone, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participating agencies and offices that rose to the occasion and delivered with excellence,’ Perez said.

‘This brings some goodness, some bright light in the darkness that surrounds our nation today. Let us all celebrate tonight and recognize those who live up to the expectations,’ he added.

Under Devanadera’s leadership, CDC has implemented digital platforms, streamlined permitting processes, and automated revenue monitoring systems to improve ease of doing business. These include online registration tools, centralized service hubs, and compliance tracking mechanisms designed to simplify transactions and enhance investor experience.

The ARTA RCS Awards recognize agencies that demonstrate integrity, innovation, and excellence in public service, values CDC continues to uphold in its operations within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.

TOUTED as the No. 1 Fintech Ecosystem and No. 1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, Maya just dropped its newest Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card, and everyone is raving about it. This isn’t just another card in your wallet-it’s the card you’ll want to carry, use, and show off every single day. The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card delivers on all fronts: design, function and benefits. Its matte glitter finish gives it a premium, polished look while ensuring it slides smoothly into ATMs and payment terminals for easy, worry-free transactions.

It’s the perfect mix of style and smarts: cool enough to match your everyday aesthetic, practical enough to keep your finances on track, and designed so that even the little things-including your daily coffee run, a grocery haul, or weekend shopping spree-actually work for you. The globally accepted debit card lets you pay, shop, and withdraw anywhere Visa is accepted, all while helping your money grow with up to 15 percent p.a. interest on Maya Savings.

Using the Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card doesn’t just reward you financially; it could literally take you places. Ongoing until November 11, every swipe with this glittery card could take you straight to the BLACKPINK [DEADLINE] World Tour in Manila. Thanks to Visa and Maya, your everyday spending might just score you VIP fan packages or even daily ticket giveaways.

With Maya, your everyday doesn’t have to stay ordinary. It’s your go-to that makes spending smarter, saving easier, and moments more rewarding, whether you’re chasing miles, cashback, or the concert of your dreams.

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) on Friday warned on withdrawing the participation of the Alas Pilipinas Women in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games unless the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) abides by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that guarantees a potentially strong finish by the women’s national team in the games Thailand is hosting in December.

‘It’s about patriotism . putting flag and country above and before everything else,’ said POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino from Bahrain where he’s overseeing the national team in the Asian Youth Games.

‘The goal is to finish strong-and to win the gold-in all of the sports where Filipino athletes are entered in the Thailand SEA Games,’ said Tolentino, stressing that the close to 1,700-strong Team Philippines to Thailand are devoted to fight for the general championship which the country clinched in the 2019 hosting.

‘And we are all aware-after having won three Olympic gold medals-that winning involves an absolute participation and cooperation by an entire community,’ said Tolentino, adding ‘without full cooperation, we won’t accomplish our goals.’

He said: ‘But setting goals and getting everyone involved, we must train hard-and long.’

The Thailand SEA Games open in 46 days and Tolentino sees the limited window as ‘crucial in forming and strengthening chemistry in any team sport.’

The PVL, according to PNVF secretary-general Don Caringal, crafted a MOA where players from the 12 teams in the women’s professional league will form the core-with top collegiate athletes-of the Alas Pilipinas Women.

The Alas Pilipinas Women under Brazilian head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito has made significant strides in the last four years-or since the PNVF was established in 2021-silver in Hanoi 2025 and bronze in Manila 2024 in the Asian Nations Cup and back-to-back bronze medal in the Vietnam SEA V-League in 2024-25.

Had the MOA been bilaterally signed last August, the Alas Pilipinas Women should have had more than three months to prepare for Thailand.

This city known as the ‘Tuna Capital of the Philippines’ rolls out the red carpet for 24,000 delegates-19,000 of them athletes-for the 14th staging of the Batang Pinoy in what is expected to be a spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex.

No less than the region’s most beloved and world-famous son, boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao, and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the country’s Olympic gold medalist from Zamboanga City, headline an elite list of guests in the opening ceremony prepared by the city’s chief executive, Lorelie Ocmar Geronimo Pacquiao.

‘People’s Champ’ Pacquiao will highlight the torch relay and lighting of the cauldron for the weeklong games featuring athletes aged 17 and below from 179 cities and provinces all over the country.

The Batang Pinoy is one of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) flagship programs for grassroots development and no less than chairman Patrick ‘Pató’ Gregorio will deliver before the keynote address before the delegates that also include 4,397 coaches.

‘Without Batang Pinoy, the country’s grassroots program will not happen,’ said Gregorio, who was all over this week-in Bahrain for the Asian Youth Games where more than 150 Filipino athletes also aged under 18 years old and in Siargao, for the World Surf League Qualfying Series.

There are 27 sports-archery, athletics, aquatics, arnis, basketball 3×3, boxing, chess, cycling, dance sports, futsal, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, judo, kickboxing, karate, muay, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu-in this year’s program of the Batang Pinoy which began in 1999 and interrupted only in 2003, 2010, 2020 amnd 2021.

Pasig City was the general champion last year in Puerto Princesa City with 105 gold, 64 silver and 116 bronze medals.

The Local Government Unit that emerges overall champion will again get a P5-million incentive from the PSC, with the second to fifth placers receiving P4 million, P3 million, P2 million and P1 million, respectively.

OVER 130 initiatives driven by the private sector through the National Teachers’ Month Coordinating Council (NTMCC) turned appreciation for teachers into action nationwide.

These collaborations led by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) amplified a nationwide movement which honored the dedication, resilience, and generosity of those who shape the minds and values of future generations.

NTMCC Chairperson and MBFI Trustee Aniceto M. Sobrepeña expressed his heartfelt appreciation to partner organizations, as he acknowledged their important role in sustaining the movement for teachers: ‘Your time, resources, and creativity have strengthened this movement of gratitude that now spans communities nationwide.’

Sobrepeña hoped that ‘.may we continue to nurture this spirit of appreciation beyond.September, ensuring that every teacher feels seen, supported, and celebrated throughout the year.’

Seventy-seven (77) private organizations enriched this year’s NTM celebration with a wide range of initiatives: from workshops and training sessions on innovative teaching strategies, tools on artificial intelligence, financial wellness, health and disaster preparedness, to exclusive perks like discounts, freebies, and special gifts. Others paid tribute through recognition programs and heartfelt media campaigns-all for celebrating and uplifting the nation’s educators.

United for teachers

ORGANIZED annually by the Department of Education (DepEd) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the celebration as he personally honored and expressed his deep appreciation for the country’s educators. The Chief Executive emphasized that teachers were the ‘true guests of honor’ that day because of their daily sacrifices and invaluable role in shaping the nation’s future.

‘On this National Teachers’ Day, we offer you our respect and our deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts and, in your own way, building a nation we can be proud of-one student at a time,’ Marcos Jr. said in his address.

For teachers, the NTM celebration serves as both a reminder and an encouragement-that they are never alone in their pursuit of excellence in education.

‘The celebration brings together educators from all walks of life, reminding us that we are part of a larger movement of love, learning, and service,’ said 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Engr. Amando Perfecto Molin. ‘It uplifts my spirit, especially during challenging times, and rekindles my passion to continue shaping compassionate, critical, and community-centered learners who will carry forward the values of peace, justice, and sustainability.’

Echoing this sentiment, Noel V. Sadinas-also an awardee-reflected: ‘The NTM celebration fostered a sense of unity and appreciation among teachers, reminding us that even our small acts can create ripples of positive change.’

‘Being named a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher has further strengthened my advocacy to make science education inclusive, relevant, and deeply rooted in the community,’ shared Dr. Angelo Mark P. Walag who is also an honoree.

Another awardee, Dr. Mylene Uy, added that the recognition reaffirms her belief that teaching is more than a profession but a lifelong commitment to nation-building.

As a tribute, MBFI also invited around 60 art teachers to an exclusive exhibition tour at The M in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where winning works of the 2025 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Competition were on display. Immersed in striking interpretations of Filipino life and creativity, the teachers found themselves rediscovering the power of art to inspire and educate.

‘It was a meaningful experience that deepened my understanding of our heritage,’ shared a teacher from Bagong Diwa Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila.

From its beginnings as the ‘My Teacher, My Hero’ campaign launched by the foundation in 2009, NTM has grown into a national movement institutionalized through Presidential Proclamation 242 (2011), which declared September 5 to October 5 as ‘National Teachers’ Month,’ and Republic Act 10743 (2016) which designated the latter as ‘National Teachers’ Day.’