Pag-IBIG Fund and the City Government of Naga began turning over affordable homes Tuesday to qualified city government employees who are acquiring their properties through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans. The turnover marks the first group of city employees to become homeowners through a partnership signed just two months ago to help public servants, particularly those in lower salary grades and first-time homebuyers, gain greater access to affordable housing and financing.

The Naga City Employees’ Housing Project initially covers 576 housing units at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol, each priced at an affordable Php350,000. Making the homes even more affordable, qualified employees may purchase them through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans at a subsidized interest rate of just 3 percent per annum for the first five years under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo said the project addresses a long-standing aspiration of the city government to provide affordable housing opportunities for its employees, particularly those who previously found homeownership beyond their means. “For many years, it has been our aspiration to provide housing opportunities for our city government employees, but affordability has always been a challenge, especially for those in the lower salary grades. Through our partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund and BellaVita, that aspiration is now becoming a reality. With Pag-IBIG Fund providing affordable financing terms and a subsidized 3-percent interest rate, we were able to make homeownership possible for employees who previously could not afford it,” Robredo said.

“We especially appreciate how quickly this partnership has delivered results. Just two months after signing our agreement, more than 100 housing loan accounts have already been taken out, and we are very happy to see our employees and their families becoming homeowners. We hope to complete the takeout of all 576 housing units by October, and eventually extend the same opportunity to our teachers, uniformed personnel, and other workers in Naga, including those in the informal sector who are also Pag-IBIG Fund members,” she added.

Robredo also expressed appreciation to Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling for his leadership in advancing the Expanded 4PH Program and expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for Filipino workers.

The turnover coincided with Jesse Robredo Day, which honors the former Naga City mayor and interior secretary’s legacy of good governance, leadership and public service.

Pag-IBIG Fund and the City Government of Naga signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June to help city employees acquire affordable homes. Pag-IBIG Fund, Naga City and BellaVita subsequently put in place a government-to-government documentation arrangement to streamline loan processing and facilitate the takeout and turnover of homes to qualified employee-beneficiaries.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the Naga project, which brings together the city government, Pag-IBIG Fund and Ayala Land’s affordable housing development in Naga, shows how national and local government can work with the private sector to make affordable homeownership more accessible to working Filipinos. The initiative comes as Pag-IBIG Fund further strengthens its collaboration with Ayala Land, most recently through a memorandum of understanding with its residential brands Avida and Amaia to expand quality housing choices and Pag-IBIG financing options for Filipino workers.

“We continue to heed President Marcos’ direction to widen access to affordable homeownership for working Filipinos, including government employees who devote their careers to public service. What we are seeing in Naga shows how this direction can be translated into actual homes when a local government identifies the needs of its workforce and government institutions align housing delivery and affordable financing around those needs. This is the one-government approach we are advancing, with national and local government working together to help more Filipinos become homeowners and build better, more dignified lives,” Acosta said. “We thank Mayor Leni Robredo and the City Government of Naga for working hand in hand with Pag-IBIG Fund to make this possible. For us, partnerships should lead to more than agreements on paper. What matters most is seeing our members receive the keys to homes of their own and knowing that, through our shared efforts, more Filipino families are gaining the security and opportunity to build better lives,” Acosta added.

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Belmont Hotel Manila continues its commitment to championing Filipino creativity with “Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery,” featuring the first solo exhibition of Filipino landscape photographer Brix Tan.

The exhibition brings Tan’s collection of fine art landscape photography into the hotel, offering guests and visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Philippines through his lens.

The exhibition is the latest chapter of “Hiraya,” the hotel’s platform for Filipino artists and creatives. Since its inception, “Hiraya” has provided a space for local talent to showcase their work and connect with new audiences, bringing Filipino art beyond the traditional gallery setting.

For Tan, the exhibition marks an important milestone in his photography journey.

“As a fine art landscape photographer, this is my Hiraya. To have my own solo exhibit, to share and showcase the beautiful landscapes of the Philippines,” Tan shared.

The collection presents Tan’s perspective of the Philippine landscape, featuring photographs from destinations including Batanes, Zambales, Mt. Pulag, Quezon, Batangas, Baler, Albay, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

Among the featured works are “Tenacious,” capturing the rugged coastline of Ivana, Batanes; “Gatekeeper,” featuring the Sabtang Lighthouse and its connection to Ivatan heritage; and “Generations,” which uses mangroves along Sarangani Bay to reflect on environmental responsibility and the future.

Adding another dimension to the exhibition is Tan’s LUMIBOX Series, where selected photographs are presented as illuminated fine art pieces, offering a distinctive way of experiencing the Philippine landscape.

An accomplished HR executive and entrepreneur, Tan has developed his photography practice over the years and has been recognized in international competitions for landscape and cityscape photography. His work combines technical composition with personal connection, using photography to tell stories through the places he encounters.

His commitment to the arts also extends beyond his own practice. Tan founded Montage Art Collective in 2021, an initiative that supports local painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers by helping them gain opportunities to enter the art scene and showcase their work.

This shared advocacy for Filipino artists is at the heart of “Hiraya.” By opening its spaces to creative collaborations and exhibitions, Belmont Hotel Manila continues to create opportunities for local artists while allowing guests, travelers, and the wider community to discover Filipino art in an accessible setting.

The featured artworks are available for purchase in limited editions, giving collectors and art enthusiasts the opportunity to own selected pieces from Tan’s first solo exhibition. Several works, including pieces from the LUMIBOX Series, are produced in editions of only 10.

“Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery” featuring Brix Tan is open for viewing at the hotel lobby until September 30, 2026.

The complete collection and artwork details are available through the digital catalogue at qrco.de/HirayaBeyondTheGallery.

For inquiries and purchases, guests may approach the hotel team during their visit.

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Domestic leisure travel doesn’t only afford us much-needed R&R. Although that in itself is rewarding enough, traveling also offers us plenty of opportunities for discovery and rediscovery that delight and inspire, educate and reset our thinking, widen our perspectives and perhaps even move us to action as we begin to understand, take pride in, and better appreciate our very own established and hidden tourism gems.

As the Philippine Travel Mart, the country’s longest-running travel trade exhibition and consumer fair primarily focused on promoting domestic tourism and showcasing emerging travel destinations across the Philippines, celebrates its 37th year this September, two key opinion leaders and tourism industry stalwarts—Natalie Lim, a seasoned hotelier and tourism advocate, and Melo Villareal, a veteran travel and lifestyle journalist—share with us their thoughts on the topic “discovery.”

“Discovery for me is learning about new things,” says Lim, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo. “As a foodie, I always associate everything with food.”

Lim, a Manileña but a long-time Iloilo resident, has had a long-standing love affair with the province ever since she first visited it and discovered its charming and wide-ranging attractions decades ago. So much so that she has become an adopted daughter of Iloilo City. Beyond her profession as a hotelier, she has embraced tourism promotion of Iloilo and Guimaras as one of her advocacies.

‘City of gastronomy’

As a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO “creative city of gastronomy,” the only one in the Philippines to be declared as such, Iloilo City has been known here and abroad for such iconic dishes as La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo and Kadyos, Baboy at Langka, or more popularly known by its acronym KBL, to name a few.

“These dishes are heavily influenced by the Chinese and the Spanish,” says Lim, who’s also the chair of Iloilo MICE Alliance. The first two dishes, both of which are noodle-based soups, derive their name from two districts in Iloilo, La Paz and Molo, respectively, where they are believed to have originated. KBL is made from kadyos or pigeon pea, which is endemic to Western Visayas, pork and pieces of unripe jackfruit.

“Our food is our source of pride, and it is not a best-kept secret because everyone knows about it,” says Lim, recalling the time she first learned about batuan, a souring agent widely used in the Visayas, and tul-tul, salt mixed with coconut milk and sold in solidified blocks in Guimaras.

And even if none of the city’s restaurants earned a Michelin rating, Lim and her friends in Iloilo’s hospitality and tourism circles say they “understand.” “They (Michelin) didn’t go here, which probably explains it. We’re not mad because Ilonggos don’t get mad. And during rare times that we do, you will hardly feel it,” says Lim in jest.

Villareal, who, apart from writing travel stories in his blog dubbed “Out of Town,” contributes to various media outlets, echoes Lim’s thoughts on food and heritage. If he were to zero in on two cities in the country which continue to resonate with him even after repeated visits, he cites Baguio and, yes, Iloilo.

“Baguio has everything going for it: folk arts, food and the pleasant weather. And since it’s in the Cordillera region, it is a melting pot of people, cultures and cuisines. And those flowers during Panagbenga never get old,” he says.

Relaxed, peaceful vibe

As for Iloilo City, Villareal swears that there’s something about the place and perhaps a good part of the province itself that “makes me [feel] relaxed, makes me hopeful.”

“Whenever I’m in Iloilo [City], I always end up saying to myself I hope other cities in the Philippines are like this,” he says, referring to how clean, orderly and relatively walkable and peaceful it has become. “When I see how clean the Iloilo River is, I’m reminded of Pasig [River], wishing it would become as clean as Iloilo [River].”

And since he’s a big fan of batchoy, Villareal always discovers something new, either in the technique used or variations in its ingredients, about the dish, depending on where he eats it.

“Different shops and restaurants have their respective take on it, which, for me, is exciting. I also find Iloilo’s pastries unique and interesting. I love the side-street Iloilo bibingka. There’s also this pastry called teren-teren, which, as its name implies, reminds you of a train because of its shape,” he shares.

And lest he be accused of always getting the royal treatment by virtue of his status as a popular travel writer, Villareal points out that he has been to Iloilo many times either on coverage or on personal trips.

“And I still love going there either way,” he says.

You may not share Lim and Villareal’s top choices, but whatever your favorite Philippine destinations are, there’s a need to visit and support these places that goes beyond income generation.

“If we stop visiting and supporting these places, we lose part of our identity as a people,” says Lim. “With more than 7,000 islands making up the Philippines, I think almost every city and municipality has something unique to share. If we sacrifice that aspect to cater to what’s Western, what’s in, what’s homogenous, that uniqueness will be lost.”

For his part, Villareal encourages local tourists to dive deeper, so to speak, whenever visiting a Philippine destination, especially for the first time. “We should give people living in these places a stake in their own future by, say, patronizing their products and works of art. Instead of going DIY, for example, let’s hire local tour guides. Not only do we get a deeper and more accurate understanding of the place and its culture and attractions, but we also provide people living there with employment.”

Buying local

Whenever the opportunity allows, Villareal, for instance, has made it a habit during provincial trips to buy beautiful and labor-intensive woven fabrics made by tribespeople. He then goes to a tailor at Kamuning Market and has these artisanal fabrics fashioned into articles of clothing.

“That takes care of events here in Metro Manila that require me to wear Filipino attire,” he says.

And these advocates walk the talk. Lim, for instance, actively supports Iloilo’s Living Heritage Museum Tour organized by the city’s Heritage Council. It’s no ordinary walking tour, as participants dress up in period costumes, depending on the theme, as they walk and ride from one heritage spot to another. Just recently, Lim joined tourists dressed in Commonwealth era-inspired attire on, well, a Commonwealth-themed tour of the city. A few weeks ago, they did a Spanish era-themed heritage tour.

“What’s nice about Iloilo is it’s a walkable city,” says Lim. To give tourists a sense of accomplishment, they’re each given a “passport” where they could have it stamped at every stop.

And to make it truly immersive, the tours include stops where participants can sample a curated set of cuisines that were prevalent during a specific period in the city’s history.

Speaking of food, Lim is also able to promote pride of place among Ilonggos through the Culinaria Series, a project of the city of Iloilo and the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) regional office.

“My executive chef, who’s a certified DOT trainer, conducts annual workshops with chosen mothers from each barangay.”

The chef teaches participants, especially mothers from poor households with no refrigerators, such techniques as preserving food using local ingredients. At the same time though, these mothers are encouraged to share their knowledge with the chef with regards to some of the dishes they cook at home.

“Armed with such transfer of knowledge, the chef would respectfully create versions of these dishes and present them to a niche market of hotel diners,” Lim explains.

People make the difference

Both Lim and Villareal agree that the Philippines still boasts of some of the best beaches and natural attractions in the region, if not the world, but the country’s best tourism product, they say, is still it’s people. People are the key. They make the difference. This explains why community-based tourism, including brief homestays with local families, is thriving in other developing countries.

The need for curated experiences is still important, but at the same time, such experiences should also feel “organic.” “Because there’s a real need and desire out there to be with real people from real communities,” says Lim. “We need to step beyond the doors of the hotel, alight from our coasters and buses, and venture outside and experience real life.” She then cites her recent experience with a group of Spanish travel agents who visited Iloilo City as an ideal example.

Bringing them on a weekend church tour would have been a non-starter. Although Iloilo has its fair share of beautiful churches, certain tourists, especially coming from a bastion of Catholicism like Spain, probably won’t be as impressed.

“That same weekend, there was a coastal clean-up project behind Breakthrough,” Lim relates. “The activity was a local, community-driven one involving entire families. And, you know what? After the activity, the [Spanish] travel agents came back telling me that the experience was a core memory of their Iloilo trip.”

Eating with the locals, jumping randomly into the water, and even playing with village dogs—organic and real-life experiences not found in curated tour packages splashed in brochures, were what appealed most to these seasoned travel agents. Lim is quite certain that similar experiences, if executed well, would appeal also to local tourists.

But to make these discoveries possible, both stakeholders in the private and public sectors should work together in attending to and strengthening the basics, which includes connectivity.

“And I’m not referring to connectivity in terms of communication, but something as basic as safe, reliable and efficient transportation,” says Villareal. The tourists’ safety from, say, erring drivers and all sorts of scammers should also be addressed if we want more people, especially Filipinos, to venture beyond the beaten path.

“If we have to adopt some of the best practices from other countries, let’s do so,” says Villareal. “Because hospitality-wise, I don’t think there’s anything or anyone that can beat us.”

Despite an abundance of natural and man-made attractions, from pristine beaches and majestic mountains, awesome rice terraces to magnificent churches, the country’s best tourism product, Lim and Villareal agree, is still it’s people. They open the gateway for tourists to a world of wonders waiting to be discovered.

The 37th Philippine Travel Mart

As it celebrates the 37th Philippine Travel Mart, the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) hopes these stories of discovery will inspire more Filipinos to explore their own backyard and see familiar destinations through fresh eyes. Anchored on this year’s theme, “Nurturing the NextGen Tourism: Discover Your Philippines,” the association continues to champion a tourism industry that is sustainable, digitally empowered, inclusive, and supportive of health and wellness. By encouraging meaningful travel experiences that benefit both visitors and host communities, PHILTOA believes every journey across the Philippines becomes an opportunity not only to discover new places, but also to help shape the future of Philippine tourism.

Travelers looking to begin their own journey of discovery can visit the 37th Philippine Travel Mart from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, where hundreds of exhibitors from across the country will offer travel packages, destination experiences, accommodations, transportation services, and tourism products under one roof. Admission is Php120, with special discounted rates available for senior citizens and other qualified sectors in accordance with government regulations. Whether planning a quick weekend escape or a long-awaited adventure, the Philippine Travel Mart offers the perfect opportunity to Discover Your Philippines.

The 37th Philippine Travel Mart is made possible through the generous support of official credit card partner EastWest Bank, official airline partner Philippine Airlines, and media partners, Lakbay Magazine, AsianTraveler, Chinoy TV, DiscoverMNL, Hospitality News Philippines, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Negosentro Media Group, OurAwesomePlanet, SPOT.ph, WhenInManila.com, and others to be announced. Their continued partnership helps amplify PHILTOA’s advocacy for domestic tourism and inspire more Filipinos to embrace the vision of Nurturing NextGen Tourism: Discover Your Philippines.

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In partnership with Solaire Resort Quezon City, seasoned visual artist and event curator Ycoy Sitchon unveiled Heliora on August 7 through an exclusive artist reception. The evening commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory toast marking the exhibit’s official opening. Joining the occasion were Damian Quayle, Chief Operating Officer of Solaire Resort Quezon City, Sam Wilkes, Vice President for Food & Beverage of Solaire Resort, Joaquin Teotico, Owner and President of Galerie Joaquin Group, and the artist herself, Ycoy Sitchon, who fittingly celebrated her birthday on the same day.

Defined by flourishing florals, vibrant butterflies, and richly layered textures, Heliora showcases a compelling collection of paintings and large-scale installations that invite guests into Sitchon’s dynamic artistic world. The exhibition will be open to the public from August 8 to October 31, 2026, with featured works available for purchase. Solaire Rewards members may enjoy exclusive rates of up to 20-percent off on selected artworks.

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Luxent Hotel officially opened Pamumukadkad: An August Blossom Hallway Art Exhibit, a month-long celebration of Filipino artistry presented in partnership with Daloy Likha Art Gallery, reaffirming the hotel’s commitment to supporting local artists and creating meaningful cultural experiences for its guests.

Held at the hotel’s Blossom Hallway, the exhibit transforms the space into a vibrant gallery featuring the inspiring works of four talented Filipino artists—Rebie Abas, Noel P. Bueza, Rinaldi de Guzman, and Vincent Bueza—each presenting unique artistic perspectives through a diverse collection of contemporary artworks.

The exhibit officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hotel executives, representatives from the Quezon City Tourism Department (QCTD), members of the media, corporate partners, sponsors, distinguished guests, and members of the local art community.

Derived from the Filipino word meaning “to bloom,” Pamumukadkad symbolizes growth, creativity, and new beginnings. Inspired by Luxent Hotel’s Blossom Hallway, the exhibit reflects the flourishing of Filipino talent while providing artists with a platform to share their stories and creative expressions with a wider audience.

The opening reception was made possible through the generous support of the hotel’s valued partners, including Styled by Quinn as the Official Event Styling Partner, Happy Burritos as the Official Grazing Table Partner, Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. as the Official Cocktail Partner, and Patrick Garillo as the Official Photography Partner.

Guests were also treated to a guided gallery walk, allowing them to engage with the featured artists and gain deeper insight into the inspiration behind each artwork.

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting local arts and culture, Luxent Hotel invites guests, art enthusiasts, and the public to visit Pamumukadkad: An August Blossom Hallway Art Exhibit throughout the month of August and experience a thoughtfully curated showcase of Filipino creativity.

The exhibit is open daily at the Blossom Hallway, Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.

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Pag-IBIG Fund posted record first-half net income of Php41.35 billion in 2026, up 24 percent from the same period last year. The increase was supported by sustained earnings from its housing and short-term loan portfolios, higher investment income and disciplined cost management.

The performance came even as Pag-IBIG Fund lowered housing loan rates and increased its maximum housing loan amount to Php10 million. It reflects the agency’s sustained financial strength and capacity to make home financing more affordable under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the agency’s strong financial position allows it to advance the government’s housing objectives while prudently managing and growing the savings of Filipino workers.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed us to make homeownership more affordable and accessible to more Filipino families through Expanded 4PH. As the program gains momentum, with more housing projects taking shape and more families gaining opportunities to own homes, Pag-IBIG Fund plays a crucial role by providing affordable financing that sustains this progress. Our financial strength enables us to open more doors to homeownership and help Filipino workers fulfill their dream of having a home of their own, while prudently managing and growing the savings entrusted to us,” Aliling said.

Pag-IBIG Fund also ended the first half with a stronger financial position, with total assets reaching Php1.32 trillion as of June 30, 2026. This was more than 6 percent, or Php81.95 billion, higher than the Php1.23 trillion recorded at the end of 2025.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said gross income rose 19 percent, or Php8.58 billion, to Php52.98 billion from Php44.39 billion a year earlier. Investment income, derived mainly from bonds, preferred shares and time deposits, increased 47 percent, or Php2.18 billion, to Php6.85 billion and accounted for nearly 13 percent of gross income. She said the stronger earnings ultimately benefit Pag-IBIG members because a substantial portion of the agency’s annual net income is returned to them as dividends credited to their savings.

“We fully recognize the trust our members place in Pag-IBIG Fund to safeguard their hard-earned savings and help their money grow. This trust is reflected in the fact that, in recent years, voluntary savings from our members have accounted for more than half of our total savings collections. That is why we continue to manage every peso with utmost prudence and seek the highest possible returns, while providing affordable home financing under Expanded 4PH. Through these efforts, we help realize President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of enabling more Filipino families to enjoy better, more dignified lives through homeownership and greater financial security,” Acosta said. Earlier this month, Pag-IBIG Fund reported that the Commission on Audit issued an unmodified opinion on its 2025 financial statements, marking the 14th consecutive year it received the highest audit opinion. The opinion means the statements fairly present the agency’s financial position and operating results in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards.

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Pag-IBIG Fund has entered into an investment partnership with P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (PAAPDC) to accelerate the construction of more than 7,300 affordable homes across 10 housing developments in Batangas, Laguna and Pampanga under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

The developments will consist of 80 percent socialized and 20 percent economic housing units, expanding the supply of quality, affordable homes in key growth areas across South and Central Luzon and helping meet the housing needs of Filipino workers and their families.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the partnership reflects the administration’s continuing efforts to accelerate housing delivery through stronger collaboration with the private sector.

“As we continue to heed the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are strengthening our partnerships with the private sector to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes for Filipino families. Through this partnership, we are bringing together government financing and private-sector capability to increase housing supply, help more Filipino workers achieve the dream of homeownership, create jobs, support industries and drive inclusive economic growth,” Aliling said.

To finance the construction of the housing developments, Pag-IBIG Fund will subscribe to preferred shares to be issued by PAAPDC amounting to Php2.9 billion, payable in tranches. The investment will earn a fixed annual return of 9 percent over the next three years.

The investment underwent Pag-IBIG Fund’s comprehensive evaluation process, which included an assessment of the proposed developments, their locations and market demand, PAAPDC’s financial and operational capacity, and the safeguards incorporated into the transaction to ensure the continued protection of members’ savings.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the partnership reflects Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing commitment to help more Filipino workers achieve homeownership while prudently investing members’ savings to generate secure and sustainable returns.

“This partnership demonstrates how Pag-IBIG Fund fulfills its dual mandate of helping more Filipino workers achieve the dream of homeownership while prudently investing and growing our members’ savings. By supporting the construction of more than 7,300 affordable homes through a prudent investment that provides stable returns, we protect our members’ hard-earned savings, sustain competitive dividends and strengthen our capacity to finance even more homes for Filipino workers,” Acosta said.

Pag-IBIG Fund is likewise assessing additional investment partnerships with qualified housing developers as part of its continuing efforts to accelerate the construction of socialized and affordable homes while generating secure and sustainable returns for members’ savings. In the first half of 2026, Pag-IBIG Fund released Php69.19 billion in housing loans to help 43,051 Filipino workers acquire their own homes. Socialized housing financing more than doubled during the period, with 6,601 minimum-wage and low-income members securing homes under the Expanded 4PH Program.

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For the past five years, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has continued to strengthen its footprint in the Visayas through Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. Since welcoming its first guests on July 8, 2021, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod has become more than just a place to stay. As the first internationally branded hotel in Bacolod City, it stands as a testament to SMHCC’s vision of bringing globally recognized hospitality experiences to emerging destinations across the Philippines. Over the past five years, the hotel has established itself as a trusted destination for business and leisure travelers while fostering meaningful relationships with guests, partners, and the local community.

Opening amid one of the most challenging periods in the hospitality industry’s history, the hotel demonstrated resilience through its steadfast commitment to its people, the planet, and the communities it serves. Guided by SMHCC’s sustainability and service-driven philosophy, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod has continued to grow through strong partnerships, dedicated team members, and purposeful initiatives that have shaped its legacy over the past five years.

To commemorate the milestone, the hotel mounted a series of anniversary activities anchored on the theme of forging a lasting legacy.

The celebration began with a community medical mission in Barangay Canlandog, Murcia. In partnership with the Agora Refuge Center (ARC) Bacolod and the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 6, together with the support of Barangay Captain Celso Belleza, the initiative provided residents with free medical consultations, medicines, and haircut services, which embody SMHCC’s commitment to creating a positive impact beyond its hotel walls.

On its official anniversary, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod honored its “Moment Makers” who are passionate individuals whose dedication has been instrumental in the hotel’s success over the past five years. The celebration was attended by SMHCC executives, including Melissa Carlos, Vice President for Commercial, and Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President for Operations. Highlighting the people behind the milestone, Nepomuceno shared, “A true legacy isn’t built within the walls of a building, but within the hearts of the people who run it. Our five-year success story was written by the collective passion of every Moment Maker here today.” The gathering also served as a town hall and employee recognition ceremony, celebrating outstanding team members for their exceptional performance and consistently positive guest feedback.

The anniversary festivities culminated with “Legacy Night,” a celebration honoring the hotel’s valued clients, business partners, media friends, and content creators who have contributed to its journey. Guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship highlighted by raffle prizes, including concert tickets, Swim & Dine packages, and overnight stays at Park Inn by Radisson and other SM Hotels properties.

Leading the ceremonial toast, newly appointed General Manager Ramon Makilan expressed gratitude to the community that has embraced the hotel over the years. “When you combine Radisson’s world-class ‘Yes I Can!’ spirit with the undeniable sweetness of the Negrenses, you get an unmatched brand of hospitality that proudly puts the best of Bacolod on the map,” Makilan shared.

One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of the hotel’s long-standing sustainability partners whose collaborations have created meaningful environmental and social impact. The Philippine Air Force was recognized for supporting 19 community outreach activities, while the Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF) was honored for helping convert nearly 150,000 kilos of food waste. Green Solutions PH was likewise recognized for its partnership on the Biodiesel Project, which has transformed used cooking oil into more than 3,400 liters of biodiesel donated to coastal communities.

As Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod enters its next chapter, SMHCC remains committed to elevating hospitality experiences while creating lasting value for its guests, employees, partners, and communities. The hotel’s five-year journey reflects the company’s broader vision of developing world-class destinations that combine exceptional service with responsible business practices, meaningful community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

From introducing Bacolod City’s first internationally branded hotel to nurturing a culture of genuine Filipino hospitality, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod stands as a testament to SMHCC’s commitment to shaping destinations that create memorable experiences and enduring positive impact, one meaningful stay, one partnership, and one community at a time.

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Pag-IBIG Fund has once again earned an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA), marking the 14th consecutive year that the institution received the state auditors’ highest audit opinion, officials announced Friday, July 31.

In a letter dated June 18, COA said its auditor expressed an unmodified opinion on the fairness of presentation of the financial statements of the Home Development Mutual Fund, more popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund, for the years ended Dec. 31, 2025 and 2024.

An unmodified opinion means that the auditor concluded that the financial statements were presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. The COA report covered Pag-IBIG Fund’s audited financial statements, audit observations and recommendations, and the status of implementation of prior years’ audit recommendations.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also serves as Chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the latest audit opinion affirms Pag-IBIG Fund’s commitment to sound financial management, good governance, transparency, and accountability in public service.

“This latest recognition from COA affirms that Pag-IBIG Fund continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, prudence, and integrity in managing the hard-earned savings of Filipino workers,” Aliling said. “It also shows that strong governance enables Pag-IBIG Fund to remain financially sound and responsive to the needs of its members, while supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make homeownership more accessible to Filipino families through the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, or Expanded 4PH.”

COA previously issued unqualified opinions on Pag-IBIG Fund from 2012 to 2017 and unmodified opinions from 2018 to 2025. With this latest result, Pag-IBIG Fund has now received COA’s highest audit opinion for 14 straight years, placing it among a select group of Philippine government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations that have sustained a decade-long track record of fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability.

The latest COA opinion comes as Pag-IBIG Fund delivered another milestone year in 2025, with total assets reaching Php1.23 trillion, members’ savings collections of Php160.41 billion, housing loan releases of Php140.54 billion, short-term loan releases of Php94.16 billion, net income before MP2 returns of Php65.28 billion, and dividends declared for members totaling Php64.34 billion.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the recognition is especially meaningful as Pag-IBIG Fund’s strong performance in 2025 continues into 2026 through the sustained delivery of its mandates to Filipino workers.

“Pag-IBIG Fund achieved another milestone year in 2025, with record levels in assets, income, and dividends for our members,” Acosta said. “This 14th consecutive unmodified opinion from COA affirms that we achieved these strong results while upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service.”

Acosta said Pag-IBIG Fund remains focused on sustaining this momentum in 2026 by helping members grow their savings, access affordable cash loans, and achieve homeownership through its housing loan programs, including its support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded 4PH Program. “This recognition assures our members that their savings are safe, protected, and responsibly managed. It also inspires us to work even harder to deliver programs and services that help Filipino workers save more, earn more, and achieve their dream of homeownership,” Acosta said.

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UNIQLO on July 29 announced the launch of a multi-layered, cultural celebration marking 70 years of Philippines-Japanese friendship. The festivities include special, exclusive in-store experiences and offers for customers, including a showcase of local Filipino culture and artisans, as well as the launch of a new sustainability project to improve the lives of Filipino youth in underserved communities across the country.

The stacked line-up of anniversary offerings and presentations were introduced during an event at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati City.

“We are grateful that millions of Filipinos have made LifeWear part of their everyday lives,” says Osamu Ikezoe, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer. “As we also look ahead to UNIQLO Philippines’ upcoming 15th anniversary next year, we see this milestone as the beginning of our next chapter – one where we continue growing together and helping to making everyday life better for Filipino people.”

Symbolizing this partnership are commemorative monuments installed in the UNIQLO Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5 and UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia, which serve as representations of the enduring friendship and shared values between the Philippines and Japan. A collaboration with Salcedo Auctions, the architectural creations are crafted with sustainable components inspired by Japanese design, reinterpreting the Philippine landscape and culture, while creating an immersive environment rooted in craft, community, and nature.

The three monuments represent the Philippines’ three main islands: the Luzon installation features “Rice Terraces x Lotus Flowers,” symbolizing harmony between people and land. The Visayas piece shows “Coconut Trees x Cranes,” with the proverbial tree of life interacting with the Japanese symbol of longevity and grace. Lastly, the Mindanao design, “Siargao Waves x Koi Fish,” captures a sense of flow, resilience, and transformation.

Celebrating cultures with anniversary-exclusive experiences

From a Filipino-inspired café menu to exclusive embroidery and customization collections, UNIQLO marks the milestone year with several anniversary-exclusive collaborations.

Fans of UNIQLO Coffee can look forward to a blend of Filipino and Japanese flavors developed in collaboration with Salcedo Auctions’ Café Salcedo. Available until January 3, 2027, is the Ube Kome Cloud, featuring burnt rice milk, lightly sweetened Bohol ube cream foam, and coconut nectar for an airy, creamy, lightly toasted flavor with a soft caramel finish.

Re.UNIQLO also weaves Japanese and Filipino cultural icons together through exclusive artisan patches, created in collaboration with Wilson Limon and local artisan communities. Crafted using traditional embroidery techniques and Re.UNIQLO fabric scraps, each patch celebrates the stories, artistry, and craftsmanship of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao while giving new life to LifeWear through sustainable practices. Proceeds from every artisan patch purchased will directly support these artisan communities, helping preserve their traditional crafts and sustain their livelihoods for future generations.

Representing Luzon, Itneg artisans from Abra created embroidered motifs inspired by the frog, a symbol of abundance and fertility, alongside the Kukko pattern, which represents hard work, productivity, and a deep connection to agriculture. For the Visayas, Panay Bukidnon artisans from Iloilo showcase traditional Panubok embroidery with symbolic motifs rooted in nature, oral traditions, and ancestral beliefs. Meanwhile, the Mindanao design, crafted by T’boli artisans from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, features intricate motifs inspired by nature, mountains, wildlife, and dream imagery, reflecting the community’s daily life and spiritual traditions.

Growing with Filipino communities

As part of its continued commitment to creating positive social impact beyond clothing, UNIQLO also highlighted its efforts in Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education. This reflects the company’s belief that investing in learning and opportunity helps empower the next generation of Filipinos.

This year-long program leading to the 15th Anniversary of UNIQLO in 2027 is in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation, HOPE Foundation and SM Foundation. The initiative will support 15 schools across the Philippines by providing continuous educational support beyond infrastructure, of which include educational programs, LifeWear donations for students and teachers, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships that create lasting impact. To support these initiatives, proceeds from the sale of select AIRism innerwear products will go towards the cause.

“Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education reflects our long-term commitment to giving back to the communities that have welcomed UNIQLO over the past 14 years. By supporting educational initiatives for 15 schools across the Philippines, we hope to help create learning environments where Filipino children can grow, dream, and reach their full potential,” says Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer.

“Education is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress is achieved when government, communities, and responsible private sector partners work together. We commend UNIQLO for investing in initiatives that support Filipino learners, demonstrating how partnerships can create lasting opportunities for our schools,” says Sonny Angara, Department of Education Secretary.

Celebrating a shared journey

As the Philippines and Japan mark their 70th Friendship anniversary this year, UNIQLO joins the celebration by reflecting on its own journey in the country. What began with a single store at SM Mall of Asia in 2012 has grown into a trusted network of 81 branches nationwide, making LifeWear more accessible to Filipinos across the country. Every store represents the brand’s commitment to serving local communities with clothing that combines functionality, comfort, and timeless style.

By celebrating the 70th Friendship Year of the Philippines and Japan and its own upcoming 15th anniversary in the Philippines, UNIQLO strengthens its commitment to creating lasting impact by giving back to communities, reinforcing its promise to serve Filipinos beyond clothing.

Visit the UNIQLO Flagship Store at Glorietta 5 today and experience the anniversary celebration firsthand. Enjoy exclusive in-store installations and limited-time offerings, latest LifeWear innovations, UT collections, and interactive experiences that celebrate the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram, and @uniqlophofficial on TikTok.

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