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| (Image Source: Ateneo De Manila University) |
The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through its Executive Education Center, conducted a customized training course on Effective Local Legislation: Skills Training for Legislative Staff and Council Members for the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Lipa City, Batangas last July 29-31, 2026. The said program focused on strengthening the competencies of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in policy analysis, legislative research, and evidence-based decision-making.
Navigating the increasing complexity of governance requires a deep understanding of local legislative processes and stronger competencies among public servants. The customized training provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on their existing legislative processes, strengthen their capacity to respond to the needs of their constituents, and identify ways to enhance governance through more responsive policies and effective institutional processes. The program emphasized that meaningful innovation in local governance is reflected in the enactment of responsive ordinances that create positive and lasting improvements in the lives of the citizens. The training was attended by participants from the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Lipa City, Batangas composed of Legislative Officers, Administrative Staff, Division Chiefs, and Council Members. Notably, Lipa City's Vice Mayor Hon. Michael Gerard “Mikee” T. Morada was also among the participants who actively took part in the three-day program. The training featured distinguished resource persons from the fields of governance, public policy, and law. ASOG Assistant Dean Ralph Jacinto A. Quiblat started the training journey with a grounding session through Leadership Mapping, drawing on his expertise in leadership, strategy, innovation, and organizational transformation. Ateneo Policy Center Research Associate and Program Coordinator Gabrielle Ann S. Mendoza, MA, facilitated the session on Understanding Local Policy Issues, providing participants with insights into policy analysis, governance, and the policy environment shaping local legislation. The sessions on Foundations of Effective Local Legislation and Evidence-Based Data Gathering and Research Methods were led by Atty. Enrique V. Dela Cruz Jr., one of the Senior Executive Education Resource Persons and Dean of the College of Law at Baliuag University, who shared over two decades of experience in legal practice, public service, and legislation.
In her opening remarks, ASOG Dean Dr. Jennifer S. Oreta emphasized that effective local governance is built not only on good intentions but also on strong institutions and informed decision-making. She highlighted the crucial role of legislative offices and staff in conducting research, analyzing policy options, and providing the evidence needed to support sound legislation. She also highlighted that the true measure of governance lies in enacting policies and ordinances that create meaningful and lasting improvements in the lives of the people. The training program concluded with a closing message from Vice Mayor Mikee Morada who described the program as a meaningful opportunity to advance the work of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. He emphasized that the training strengthened teamwork, enhanced participants' knowledge and skills, and encouraged more structured thinking and proactive contributions to legislative work. He also encouraged participants to champion continuous learning and professional development to better serve the people of Lipa City.
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De La Salle Lipa Launches Center For Sustainability And Impact To Advance Community Transformation
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) officially launched the Center for Sustainability and Impact (CSI) last July 29, 2026 at the Nexus Innovations Lab under the theme “Creating Sustainable Impact: Empowering Communities, Inspiring Action, Transforming Futures”. The event brought together local government units, educational institutions, community partners, local farmers, and industry leaders to establish a collaborative platform bridging academic research with community-centered development.
The launch commenced with a symbolic Commitment Walk and the signing of the Commitment Wall, underscoring collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship. Opening addresses from DLSL Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Internationalization Dr. Sheila Maloles and CSI Advisory Board member Prof. Alvin Culaba, Ph.D., emphasized the center's mission to integrate research, innovation, and social responsibility. The event also featured visiting professor Dr. Kenneth McNally, highlighting DLSL’s expanding international research network. Spotlight sessions showcased ongoing sustainability projects including the SALt Lamp initiative, local agricultural development centered on Kapeng Barako, community initiatives with Pamintang Lipa, the Arboretum Study Report, and joint projects with the Mahalina Foundation. The launch culminated in the unveiling of the Sustainability Challenge, an initiative inviting stakeholders to develop actionable solutions for real-world environmental and social issues. The establishment of the Center for Sustainability and Impact reinforces De La Salle Lipa’s role as an institutional catalyst for sustainable development. By offering students direct avenues to participate in interdisciplinary research, social innovation, and community immersion, the CSI advances DLSL’s mission of forming socially responsible leaders committed to positive societal transformation.
For the DLSL students of AY 2026-2027 and beyond, the Center for Sustainability and Impact opens meaningful opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research, Service Learning, social innovation, and community-based initiatives that complement classroom instruction with real-world experience. By collaborating with government agencies, industry partners, local communities, and international experts, students gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address complex societal challenges through sustainable solutions. For prospective students, the establishment of the CSI reflects De La Salle Lipa's commitment to providing a future-oriented, holistic education — one that nurtures not only academic excellence but also responsible leadership, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong commitment to creating positive impact in local and global communities.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
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GMA Network Joins DTI In Launching AI & Scale-Up Center
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Network, through its digital arm and subsidiary GMA New Media Inc. (NMI), joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in launching the AI & Scale-Up Center last August 11, 2026 in Makati City, advancing its commitment to technology-driven innovation and digital transformation. Representing the Network at the launch was GMA NMI President and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Augusto L. Caharian who joined DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. Co-Founder and CEO Dennis Anthony H. Uy alongside business leaders and foreign dignitaries.
Secretary Roque shared, “This AI and Scale-Up Center provides a realistic, accessible entry point for Filipino businesses to explore and adopt modern technology like AI. Scaling a business requires usable tools and expert guidance so that innovative ideas can turn into functional solutions. By bringing private tech leaders like Converge together with our local enterprises, we are giving businesses of all sizes the practical knowledge and connectivity they need to improve efficiency and stay competitive.” The DTI AI & Scale-Up Center is a practical hub for technology adoption and business growth stemming from the partnership between DTI and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. Through the Center, companies, startups and local enterprises can learn to integrate artificial intelligence and digital tools directly into their operations. “The real opportunity for MSMEs is not simply to adopt AI para masabi na AI-enabled sila, but to really understand where it can create meaningful business value in terms of improving productivity, reducing operational costs, creating better customer experiences, or even possibly discovering entirely new business models,” said Caharian.
As GMA Network's innovation and technology center, GMA NMI plays a strategic role in shaping and driving the Network's digital transformation by adopting emerging technologies, developing various platforms, and creating technology-driven experiences for audiences such as generative AI. It also provides support for brands through comprehensive services that include web development, bespoke web applications, and interactive experiences designed to further enhance campaigns and boost engagement across multiple platforms. Key partnerships and collaborations further drive the Network's commitment to innovation and leadership across multiple platforms.
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EastWest Dream Run 2026 Heads To Clark
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/EastWest Banking Corporation) |
Following a successful Manila kickoff that drew nearly 7,000 attendees, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 heads to Clark for the second stop of its four-leg race series, offering participants a unique running experience at the scenic Filinvest Mimosa Plus Estate. Set against the sprawling greenery of Filinvest Mimosa Plus, runners can look forward to one of the most picturesque race routes in the Dream Run series. The leisure estate is known for its tree-lined roads, expansive open spaces, shimmering lakes, mountain backdrops, and the world-class Mimosa Plus Golf Course, creating the perfect setting for a refreshing run away from the bustle of the city.
Organized by RUNRIO, the event also aligns with the Bank’s partnership with the Department of Tourism’s Love the Philippines campaign, showcasing Clark as a top destination for sports tourism. “The incredible energy we witnessed in Manila showed us that there are thousands of dreamers ready to take the next step toward their goals. We’re excited to bring that spirit to Clark and create another memorable experience that inspires participants to keep chasing their dreams,” said EastWest Chief Marketing Officer Martin Reyes. EastWest cardholders can make their race weekend even more rewarding through the EastWest Dream Run Php500 Rebate Promo, allowing eligible participants to enjoy savings on their registration when they use their qualified EastWest credit card. After crossing the finish line, runners can recharge at the EastWest Horizons Recovery Lounge, a dedicated post-race space designed to help participants cool down, relax, and recover. The lounge offers massage and yoga sessions, part of EastWest’s commitment to delivering a premium race-day experience that supports runners beyond the finish line. Runners can also look forward to exciting raffle prizes, giveaways, and special treats from EastWest and its partners including Filinvest, Filinvest Land Inc., Visa, Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, Mimosa Plus, EastWest Rural Bank, Nutribullet, Dyson, ConcepStore, Mizuno, Columbia Sportswear, Saucony, Colgate Plax, Ford, Puregold, REV*, Mogu Mogu, Aqua Planet, Chlorelief, Salonpas, and DailyFix. Moreover, participants can turn race day into a staycation with up to 40% off room rates at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark and enjoy a 10% discount at Firehouse Pizza Clark and La Loca by presenting their race bib.
Whether aiming for a new personal best, running with friends and family, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, participants can expect a day filled with memorable experiences, exciting rewards, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Interested participants can register exclusively online via the Race Roster platform.
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RCBC, Raquel Pawnshop Partner To Expand Access To Digital Banking
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| L-R: RCBC Vice President and Head of Agency Banking Aaron Giberson, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva, Raquel Pawnshop President and CEO Raquelita Rafa, President and CEO, Raquel Pawnshop Vice President for Operations Ronaldo Raquel (Image Source: TheManilaPost.net/Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) |
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and Raquel Pawnshop Inc. have partnered to expand access to digital banking services by deploying RCBC ATM Go terminals across the pawnshop’s branch network, bringing convenient cash and banking services closer to more Filipino communities. The partnership extends the reach of RCBC ATM Go, the bank’s dual-SIM mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) ATM network with nationwide coverage across all 82 Philippine provinces. Through Raquel Pawnshop’s 154 branches, customers can access a wider range of banking services, including cash withdrawals, deposits, bills payment, remittances, and other digital financial transactions, significantly expanding RCBC’s customer touchpoints. Customers of participating banks, digital banks, and e-wallets may also make QR Ph-enabled withdrawals by simply scanning a QR code at RCBC ATM Go terminals.
The agreement was signed by RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva and Raquel Pawnshop President and Chief Executive Officer Raquelita Rafa, together with officers from both organizations. Rafa welcomed the collaboration, saying it would create greater opportunities for the communities served by Raquel Pawnshop, stating, “We firmly believe that our partnership with RCBC will open meaningful opportunities for the communities we serve, opportunities that can genuinely transform lives and drive lasting progress. Raquel Pawnshop, Inc. is deeply grateful to RCBC for being part of this shared vision.” For his part, Villanueva said collaborations with community-based institutions help accelerate financial inclusion by making banking more convenient and accessible, particularly in underserved communities, stressing, “Partnerships such as this allow us to bring banking services closer to where Filipinos live and work. By expanding the RCBC ATM Go network through trusted community partners like Raquel Pawnshop, we continue removing barriers to financial access while promoting greater financial participation across the country. Financial inclusion is achieved one community at a time. Every new access point strengthens our ability to connect more Filipinos to the formal financial system and improve their overall financial well-being.”
RCBC continues to strengthen its digital banking ecosystem through RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go, with initiatives focused on expanding financial inclusion, accelerating digital payments adoption, and delivering banking services to underserved communities nationwide.
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2GO Brings Cebu Business Community Together To Strengthen Connectivity For Tourism, Trade
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| L-R: 2GO Sea Solutions Business Unit Head Sharon Musngi-Ngo; 2GO Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications Ethel Concepcion; Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region VII Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Regional Governor for Central Visayas Felix Taguiam, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Regan Rex King; 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head Faye Alonzo; 2GO Travel Business Unit Head Francis Chua (Image Source: Manila Standard/2GO Group) |
2GO, the country’s leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, gathered members of the Cebu business community, industry experts, and policymakers for a strategic forum dedicated to leveraging stronger connectivity that can sustain the region’s momentum across trade, tourism, and economic growth. In partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region VII, 2GO hosted a dialogue with key regional stakeholders to discuss Central Visayas’ economic outlook and the vital role of modern supply chain networks in linking businesses to markets and travelers to key destinations.
“We want to hear your pain points and identify your areas of growth so we can co-create solutions together,” said 2GO Marketing Business Unit Head Ethel Concepcion, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustained dialogue and collaborations that enable long-term progress for regional trade and tourism sectors. “When connectivity improves, businesses can move products faster and more efficiently. Tourism destinations become more accessible, supply chains build resilience, and new markets open. A stronger Cebu requires stronger connections, and those links begin with meaningful cross-sector alignment,” said CCCI President Regan Rex King. The partnership reflects the shared commitment of 2GO and CCCI to foster a holistic economic framework. Through its expansive multimodal network, 2GO bridges trade routes across the Philippines, while collaborating with local organizations to unlock regional opportunities. Highlighting the region’s trajectory, DEPDev Region VII Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro presented an outlook emphasizing Central Visayas’ transition toward a more diversified and interconnected economy. Ranked as the country’s fourth-largest regional economy in 2025, Central Visayas is advancing toward modernized transit and freight infrastructure, backed by 90 strategic high-impact projects (SHIPs) scheduled in 2027.
The forum held an executive panel titled “Strengthening Connectivity For Tourism, Trade, And Regional Growth” featuring insights from King alongside 2GO leaders Francis John Chua (Travel), Faye Allonzo (Forwarding), and Sharon Musngi-Ngo (Sea Solutions). With logistics playing a pivotal role in accelerating regional development, 2GO reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with commercial enterprises, government bodies, and trade groups to build reliable connections across Central Visayas.
