 |
| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Enderun Colleges) |
Enderun Colleges proudly hosted a landmark roundtable engagement at the Titans Hall Library, gathering key representatives from Taguig Local Government Unit (LGU), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), top industry partners, and the College of Architecture and Design (CAD) community to discuss climate-resilient urban planning and sustainable design. The event was headlined by International Design Conference (IDC) keynote speaker Eisuke Tachikawa who led the session titled “Tropical Design For Resilient Cities”. The roundtable served as a dynamic conversation among leaders in design, government, and the private sector, addressing urgent challenges and opportunities in building climate-adaptive cities.
The session, moderated by Design Center of the Philippines Design Services Division Chief and Enderun faculty member Carla Leonor, explored practical frameworks introduced by Prof. Tachikawa – from infrastructure to urban planning – with a special focus on the realities of Metro Manila. The discussion also touched on the National Design Policy as a strategic move toward embedding sustainability in the country’s design and planning initiatives. The panel brought together a diverse group of thought leaders and experts in the field including Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute, Enderun Colleges Dean of Architecture and Design Nikki Escalona-Tayag, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Dean of Environment and Design Harvey Vasquez, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Land Resource Management and Zoning Division Chief Alfred Panugao, Taguig City Planning and Development Office's Engr. Emmanuel Umali and Dennis Allan Quan, and Plontur Group Founder and Principal Design Lead Erick Yambao. Each panelist brought a unique perspective, contributing insights on the urgent need for climate-adaptive strategies in Metro Manila and beyond. “At CAD, we believe design is more than form or function – it is about responsibility, adaptation, and creating pathways to a sustainable future. Through education, research, and collaboration, our mission is to prepare designers who can lead change and contribute meaningfully to society,” said Tayag.
Leonor emphasized, “In today’s world, joining conversations like this ensures our voices are heard and acted upon. Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s the standard by which we must design. As I teach sustainable interior design at Enderun, I see future designers preparing to shape not just spaces, but futures. Designing for the cities we live in means taking proactive roles through collaboration, creativity, and responsibility to our communities. Our dialogue with Professor Tachikawa and partners shows that resilience and progress are possible when sectors unite with a shared commitment to design change.” The event, attended by students and faculty of Enderun’s College of Architecture and Design, marks another milestone in the institution’s ongoing mission to champion purposeful design education. Known for its emphasis on design entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability, Enderun continues to foster meaningful engagement between academe, industry, and government – equipping professionals to lead with impact in an ever-evolving world.
* * * *
Tulong Sa Pagbangon: Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Provides Relief For Cebu Earthquake Survivors
 |
| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Cebuana Lhuillier) |
Cebuana Lhuillier, through its corporate social responsibility arm Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI), has mobilized immediate relief operations under its Tulong sa Pagbangon (TSP) initiative to support families affected by the recent earthquake in northern Cebu. An initial ₱500,000 has been allocated from CLFI’s disaster response funds, prioritizing assistance to communities in Bogo City, the identified epicenter of the quake. The relief drive targets around 1,000 families with each household set to receive tote bags containing food, bottled water, sanitary products, and other essentials. Additional contributions gathered through the TSP Donation Drive, including E2G food bars and other emergency supplies, will also be distributed.
“Cebuana Lhuillier has always been committed to standing by Filipinos in times of need. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy, and through CLFI, we are working to bring immediate aid and comfort as they begin their journey to recovery,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. The relief operation is being carried out with the help of Cebuana RAPIDO, the company’s employee volunteer group dedicated to disaster response. Volunteers are set to begin packing operations immediately, with the deployment of goods to Bogo and nearby affected areas targeted within the next one to two days. CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangan adds, “Through Tulong sa Pagbangon, we want to assure affected families that they are not alone. With the help of our RAPIDO volunteers and the generosity of our donors, we will continue to deliver support to those who need it most.”
To extend the reach of these relief efforts, CLFI is accepting cash donations at all Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide or through designated bank accounts: BPI E-Donate (QR code below); UnionBank – 1021-7002-3202, BPI – 307-107-3458. Every contribution will go a long way in providing food, water, and immediate on-site relief to the families who need it most. For years, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation has championed disaster preparedness and resilience, mobilizing its employees nationwide to assist communities in times of crisis. TSP Cebu continues this mission by extending bayanihan where it is needed most.
* * * *
Scholars Complete College Education With Grant From Aboitiz Renewables, Aboitiz Foundation
 |
| Fredie Nanganlag Jr., sixth of ten children, grew up working the fields of Bukidnon. After earning his agriculture degree at Central Mindanao University, he’s bringing science and organic practices back home to help his family and the community. (Image Source: Aboitiz Power/Aboitiz Foundation Inc.) |
Aboitiz Renewables, in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation Inc., celebrated the graduation of 13 college scholars from its rural host communities in Albay and Bukidnon, highlighting their advocacy of advancing education to underprivileged but deserving students. A scholar completed his degree in agriculture at the Central Mindanao University, while the rest accomplished their respective degrees in education, engineering, entrepreneurship, and nursing at Bicol University.
“Education ignites personal growth, and growth minded people will be the leading driver of progress for our nation. We are proud to witness our scholars reach this important milestone. We wish them continued success and hope their journey inspires others. May they create opportunities that empower more young people to thrive, energizing progress and uplifting communities in their own way,” said Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy Villaroman. Since 2015, the Aboitiz Renewables College Scholarship Program has provided support to 103 students nationwide through stipends, academic performance incentives, and mentorship. The initiative helps ease the financial burden of higher education while preparing scholars for future leadership roles. “This scholarship allowed me to complete my degree despite the challenges of living in an off-grid community. Now that I’ve graduated, I want to use my knowledge to help farmers in our area,” said Fredie Nanganlag Jr. who earned a degree in Agriculture major in Crop Science – Plant Breeding from Central Mindanao University.
“I was empowered, so I want to empower others. My goal is to inspire students from communities like mine to believe they can succeed, no matter where they begin,” added Magna Cum Laude graduate Melody de Vera Cerio who finished a degree in English Language from Bicol University. The program forms part of Aboitiz Renewables and Aboitiz Foundation’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in host communities surrounding its hydro, solar, and geothermal facilities. Beyond education, these initiatives also extend to livelihood development, environmental stewardship, and community programs.
* * * *
From Classrooms To DigiHub: SM Turns Over Fully Equipped School Building In Mindoro
 |
| SM Foundation's new four-classroom building provides Bayanan II Elementary School's Grades 5 and 6 students with learning spaces that meet modern educational needs. (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Foundation Inc.) |
The SM Group, through SM Prime and SM Foundation, has turned over a newly built two-story, four-classroom school building to Bayanan II Elementary School in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. Constructed under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Adopt-A-School Program, the new facility addresses the need for additional classrooms.
The 112th SM school building was designed with both functionality and inclusivity in mind. Each classroom is equipped with durable wood-steel armchairs, including seats for left-handed learners, as well as panoramic whiteboards to improve visibility. Wall fans enhance ventilation, while each room has its own flush toilet and wash basin for added convenience and hygiene. Beyond classrooms, the structure features a faculty room, prayer room, clinic, and storage areas, ensuring that both students and teachers benefit from the improved learning environment. A centralized handwashing station with 10 faucets and an overhead water tank was also installed to encourage good hygiene practices. Safety and accessibility were among the top priorities in the construction. The building is equipped with emergency lighting on staircases, a fire alarm system, and dedicated facilities for persons with disabilities, including an accessible restroom and a wheelchair ramp.
In partnership with Ace Hardware, the school is set to receive a DigiHub equipped with a router, smart TV, 20 desktop computers with earphones and microphones, 10 computer tables, and 20 chairs. The said hub is aimed at boosting digital literacy and supporting students’ access to modern learning tools. SM Foundation shares that the donation is part of its mission to spread social good by supporting public education and uplifting communities across the country.
Western Union Launches New Mobile App In The Philippines
 |
| (Image Source: Yugatech/Western Union) |
Western Union recently announced the launch of a new mobile app in the Philippines, giving millions of consumers in the country the power to send funds abroad, enjoying competitive FX rates in the process, and request remittances in a new way that adds convenience and flexibility. The Philippines is the first global market where Western Union launches an app with both send and request capabilities.
Consumers who download and use the app can send funds abroad seamlessly, and through Western Union’s global financial network gain access to billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and hundreds of thousands of retail locations for cash payout. To send funds, app users have the option to pay online securely using the national QR code payment method ‘QR Ph’. Signing up to use the app is easy and takes up only a few minutes. Equally, consumers who use the app can request funds from senders in the U.S., Australia, Singapore the UK and several other global markets with large Filipino diasporas present, simply by filling their receiver info. Senders will then be able to complete the transaction online from the country they reside in. Receivers have multiple options to access their funds: cash withdrawal at a retail location, deposit to bank account or directly to a digital wallet, depending on the market. Additionally, when funds are sent by Senders from abroad to the Philippines, their Receivers will be able to redirect the funds to their preferred bank account or digital wallet. Consumers can track their transfers by entering the transaction tracking number (MTCN) in the app.
“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in our effort to serve consumers in the Philippines better and connect them to their families and loved ones across the world. For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad. Our new app gives the opportunity to do both, with the flexibility and trust that Western Union can provide,” said Western Union Vice President for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands Gregory Laurent. According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances to the Philippines reached an all-time high of $38bn in 2024. According to the World Bank, the Philippines had the fourth-highest remittance levels among low- and middle-income countries last year. The United States was the biggest source of cash remittances in 2024, followed by Singapore.
* * * *
PEZA And SM Offices Drive Regional Development Through New Santa Rosa IT Economic Zone
 |
| L-R: SM Investments Corporation Vice President for Corporate Tax Sally S. So, SM Prime Holdings Vice President and Head of SM Offices Alexis Ortiga, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, PEZA Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Anidelle Alguso (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and SM Offices, a business unit of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), have signed a Registration Agreement (RA) confirming the Presidential Proclamation of SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as an Information Technology Economic Zone. Presidential Proclamation No. 944, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., officially designates a portion of SM City Santa Rosa as a special IT ecozone under PEZA. Accreditation as an IT ecozone under PEZA provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including income tax holidays, tax and duty exemptions, streamlined import–export procedures, and access to Special Non-Immigrant Visas. The designation also ensures modern infrastructure and efficient government services, creating a strategic edge for registered IT enterprises in the Philippines.
The SM City Santa Rosa IT Center is expected to boost Laguna’s standing as a preferred location for the IT-BPM sector and contribute to the expansion of investments outside Metro Manila. “This partnership with PEZA underscores our dedication to providing world-class spaces for the IT-BPM industry. Santa Rosa is strategically located with access to talent, infrastructure and lifestyle amenities that will support long-term growth for companies and employees alike,” said SM Prime Holdings Vice President and Head of SM Offices Alexis Ortiga. SM Offices has a proven track record in supporting the IT-BPM industry through PEZA-accredited developments such as its E-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex and SM North EDSA Towers in Quezon City. With the addition of SM City Santa Rosa IT Center, SM Offices extends its reach to provincial growth corridors. “The proclamation of SM City Santa Rosa as an IT Center opens new doors for job creation and investment opportunities in the countryside. PEZA stands ready to handhold locators seeking to set up operations in the Philippines as we advance our country’s role as one of the leading global IT-BPM hubs in Asia,” said PEZA Director General Tereso Panga.
PEZA reported a 100 percent increase in investment approvals in the first seven months of 2025, reaching Php90.6B (90.6 billion pesos), with up to 30 new ecozones expected by year-end. The establishment of SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as an ecozone reinforces the shared goal of PEZA and SM Prime to attract investments, generate employment and drive regional development across the country.
