The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the country’s longest-running aviation sports event, is set to mark its 26th year with its grandest edition yet, now taking flight in its new home at New Clark City.
Themed “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” the festival will run from February 13 to 15, 2026, offering families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts an exciting opportunity to witness non-stop flying exhibitions. The three-day showcase will feature regular and special-shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones—all soaring across the sky in one vibrant venue.
“Bringing all these aerial spectacles together within a three-day celebration reminds us how meaningful it is to keep offering a true airshow experience—one we’ve honed and shared with the public for more than two decades,” PIHABF Event Director Capt. Joy Roa said.
This year, the festival raises the bar once again with the largest display of special-shape balloons in its history—22 colorful, creative, and crowd-favorite designs flown by pilots from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil.
For this edition, the PIHABF will take place in New Clark City, a premier sports hub developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The venue features a 20,000-seat Athletics Stadium, a world-class Aquatics Center, and expansive open grounds ideal for large-scale outdoor events.
“We are always delighted and honored to host events like this. For New Clark City to welcome and witness this amazing festival is truly special. It deserves to be celebrated in our world-class facilities, which are comfortable, spacious, and accessible to ensure an exceptional experience for all who come to enjoy it,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang added.
For more than 25 years, the festival has grown into a beloved celebration of aviation and culture. Since Capt. Joy Roa and his team of passionate aviators took the helm in its third year, PIHABF has evolved into an annual showcase of the very best in flying activities, sports aviation, and international camaraderie.
It has also thrilled audiences with aerobatic superstars like the Breitling Jet Team, Wing Walkers, and world-renowned stunt pilot Mark Jeffries; welcomed international air rallies; staged skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps; and celebrated Filipino artistry through cultural exchanges and iconic poster designs.
Like and follow us on our website to get updates on all the activities in the “Weekend of Everything that Flies” www.philballoonfest.net

Philippine health authorities are poised to tap into a wealth of invaluable data that could potentially leapfrog universal health care (UHC) across the country: in 2024 alone, PhilHealth processed some 15 million claims, a rich source of potential health care insights.
“Claims data tell a much bigger story than just the cost of care,” explained Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, Program Director of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies’ Health Economics and Finance Program (PIDS-HEFP). “They show us not just who gets sick, but how the country’s health care system responds, and whether that response is fair and effective.”
Smarter, better health claims
At a recent workshop co-organized by PIDS-HEFP and the World Bank Group, with support from the Australian Government through the Advance UHC partnership, health sector policymakers and data experts explored how health insurance claims data can drive smarter, evidence-based decisions for universal health care as the Philippines transitions to a new provider payment mechanism mandated by Republic Act No. 11223, or the UHC Law.
Held at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, “Data-Driven Decision-Making for UHC: Leveraging Health Insurance Claims Data” highlighted how PhilHealth’s vast trove of claims records could become a powerful tool for improving efficiency, accountability, and equity in healthcare delivery. The workshop provided insights into how healthcare claims data can be used when conducting health systems analysis.
Connecting statistics with patients’ stories
The goal of the workshop is to equip health-sector policymakers and data analysts with the capacity to “see beyond spreadsheets,” to connect statistics with patient stories and policy outcomes.
According to World Bank Lead Economist Dr. Ajay Tandon, analyzing PhilHealth claims can reveal where hospitals are efficient or overburdened, and whether patients are receiving timely, appropriate treatment.
Preliminary analysis showed that one in three inpatient PhilHealth claims are for ambulatory-care-sensitive conditions—that is, conditions for which timely and effective primary care can help reduce the risks of hospitalization. This pattern possibly points to both supply- and demand-side issues in primary healthcare access, according to PIDS analysts.
For example, by examining trends in key areas and procedures such as cesarean deliveries, readmissions, and tobacco-related illnesses, policymakers can spot inefficiencies and redirect resources to where they matter most.
Moving forward with DRGs
The workshop built on the HEFP’s broader initiative to institutionalize Diagnosis-Related Groupings (DRGs), a new payment mechanism mandated under the UHC Law that rewards hospitals for quality and efficiency rather than volume of services. The same data analytics underpinning the training will be essential for calculating fair DRG rates and monitoring their impact once implemented.
Over the past year, PIDS-HEFP has led a series of high-level engagements with PhilHealth, the Department of Health, and professional medical societies to prepare hospitals for the upcoming DRG pilot tests. The new claims analytics effort forms part of that continuum, transforming raw administrative data into insights that can potentially shape long-term policies.
The workshop is the latest in a line of capacity-building and stakeholder events spearheaded by PIDS-HEFP this year, from the nationwide rollout of the DRG awareness campaign to technical briefings for hospital administrators and policy forums with medical societies. Each initiative reflects a shared vision: a transparent, data-driven health financing system that delivers “Dapat, Sapat, Tapat” care for every Filipino. PIDS-HEFP

Thousands of corporations, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), have received over P80 million in discounts across more than 40,000 transactions with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stemming from recent corporate sector reforms. Since July, the SEC has issued three memorandum circulars aimed at encouraging the incorporation of MSMEs and further streamlining the registration process for companies tapping the capital market. Based on preliminary data as of October 19, the Commission has accommodated 40,157 transactions under these rules, collectively providing P80.3 million in discounts to the transacting public—with more than half or P40.9 million going to MSMEs. “The SEC is taking an active role in the national government’s efforts to further unlock the massive potential of the MSME sector in driving the Philippine economy’s growth,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said. “By lowering the barriers to entry for small businesses, we are sending a strong message that the corporate sector is an inclusive space where everyone–not just established industry players–can survive and thrive,” he added. SEC Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2025 (MC 6), which took effect on July 1, provided a 50 percent discount on the physical and authenticated copies of company filings, including the articles of incorporation and by-laws, general information sheet, and annual financial statements, among others. The reduced rates for such documents and other IT-related services of the Commission under MC 6 has since provided over P36.5 million in discounts to the transacting public. Meanwhile, MC 8 provided discounted rates for certain filing fees to support the growth of MSMEs following its release on July 16. The SEC has since allowed a total of 8,506 MSMEs, which registered as corporations, to accumulate P21.4 million in discounts for their registration fees. Over 200 MSMEs that applied for an increase in their authorized capital stock also saved more than P19.4 million in line with the MC. Companies tapping the capital market likewise secured around P3 million in discounts thanks to MC 9, which provided a 30 percent discount for the assessed registration fees of all registration statement applications until December 31, 2025, among others. “The SEC will continue to assess its rules and policies to see where we can provide further assistance to our stakeholders, consistent with our goal of empowering MSMEs and the overall corporate sector to become catalysts for economic growth,” Chairperson Lim said.

Labrador, Pangasinan – — Every few months, headlines warn of another electricity price hike, a familiar sting for Filipino households already strained by inflation. For many, the question is no longer if power will become more expensive, but whether it will ever be affordable again.
Electricity remains the lifeblood for Filipino households. A recent Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report shows that 94.8 percent of households, which translates to about 26.5 million homes, are connected to the grid. But accessibility does not always mean affordability. For millions, each increase in the monthly bill chips away income that can be used for other essentials like food and education, and this in turn, erodes opportunity, livelihood, and hope.
That sense of urgency brought residents of Labrador, Pangasinan, together for this year’s Stand Up for Nuclear (SUFN) 2025 town hall, a gathering that felt less like a debate and more like a community taking its future into its own hands.
Organized by Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable source of power, and attended by Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco, a staunch nuclear advocate and principal author of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) Law, the event drew local officials and residents to discuss what it would mean for this quiet town to host a modern nuclear facility. The proposal, once abstract, is now deeply personal.
A Decision by the People
When the town hall opened, it wasn’t merely officials addressing a crowd; it was democracy in action. For years, the idea of a nuclear plant in Labrador hovered as a possibility and was met with both curiosity and caution. But according to Cojuangco, the discussion changed when locals began to see nuclear power as an engine for the town’s growth.
“I challenged them [citizens of Labrador], I said if this is what they want, write to the government that you will invite companies or the government to build a nuclear plant here in Labrador,” Cojuangco recalled.
The challenge sparked a movement. Within months, 65 percent of registered voters in the municipality signed a notarized petition inviting the development of a nuclear facility which is a rare and formal declaration of consent.
For Mayor Noel Uson, the decision marks both progress and prudence. “We are in full support of nuclear energy utilization,” he said, “but safety and security will always come first.”
Vice Mayor Melchora Yaneza agreed, adding that strict oversight and preparedness would be key to earning public trust.
Powering Livelihoods
Much of the town hall’s focus was on livelihood. A 1,000-MW plant, Cojuangco explained, carries a project value of about US$4 billion, with as much as 60 to 65 percent of spending expected to circulate through local civil works, supply chains, and services. Properly managed, this could become a cornerstone for regional economic development.
Equally compelling was the promise of lower electricity costs. Cojuangco projected that under the right framework, nuclear energy could provide power at PHP5 per kWh, or even free for local households, under certain arrangements.
“Do you think that with electricity that cheap, investors wouldn’t flock to Labrador to build all sorts of businesses, livelihoods, and industries? And who would benefit from permanent jobs, wouldn’t it be you as well?” Cojuangco emphasized.
Equally important is longevity. Modern nuclear plants can operate for up to 80 years, offering stable power and economic stability across generations. For small businesses long constrained by high utility bills, that longevity could be the difference between survival and growth.
Safety, Trust, and Transparency
Fear remains nuclear power’s most enduring obstacle, but the town hall discussed that modern engineering and transparent governance can turn fear into informed confidence.
Cojuangco cited the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in California, built to endure seismic forces more than twice the usual standard—a related situation for the Philippines—which lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
“If a plant in earthquake country like California can operate safely for decades, there’s no reason the Philippines—with the right regulation and technology—cannot do the same,” he affirmed.
Cojuangco also detailed how deep geological repositories and borehole disposal have become global benchmarks for managing high-level nuclear waste, backed by decades of research from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and will be properly regulated with the passage of PhilAtom Law.
“Safety is not negotiable; trust must be earned through open information, strong oversight, and honest communication. Transparency should extend beyond construction to day-to-day operations, and the people must be involved not just in approval but in continuous monitoring. That’s how we build a culture of safety,” he assured.
A National Turning Point
For a town of fewer than 30,000 people, Labrador’s actions have drawn national attention. This ignited the plans of the Department of Energy (DOE) to explore nuclear power options, from rehabilitating the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to pursuing new feasibility studies with international partners.
In fact, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the DOE found that 70% of Filipinos now support or are open to nuclear energy—a level of acceptance unseen in previous decades.
For Alpas Pinas Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza, Labrador represents a turning point, stating, “This is a town that chose nuclear energy not out of fear or politics, but hope. “You are the ones putting the Philippines on the map of nuclear energy.”
If Labrador’s example holds, it could become a national template, proof that the path to a nuclear future runs not through laboratories or boardrooms, but through communities.
Because in the end, nuclear power in the Philippines is not just about reactors or policy. It is, at its core, about people—those who will live with the energy, build with it, and, ultimately, be empowered by it.

Forward-deployed U.S. sailors and Marines are training alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and other allied militaries in the Philippine Sea as part of Annualex, a multilateral exercise held every other year.
Led by Japanese destroyer carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184), the exercise kicked off Monday with the goal of refining existing combat interoperability capabilities, enhancing readiness across platforms and deterring regional instability and aggression, officials said.
“This year’s Annualex focuses on enhancing the Japan and U.S. bilateral alliance within a multilateral context through maritime communication tactics, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, replenishment-at-sea and more,” reads U.S. 7th Fleet news release.
Representing the U.S. this year are: cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), dry cargo ships USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) and USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE-8), fleet-oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199), a submarine, P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to the “Bats” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242. Imagery released Monday by the U.S. Defense Department also shows F-35Cs assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 taking part in the drills. VFA-147 forms part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW-5) assigned to aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73).
Japan will contribute destroyers and a submarine.
This year’s iteration also includes participation for the first time from France, which is joining Australia, Canada and New Zealand alongside the U.S. and Japan.
France is deploying surveillance frigate FS Prairial (F731) for the drills. The frigate is based in French Polynesia. The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) offshore patrol vessel HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV432) will join the drills, as well. Max Bernays is the only RCN ship deployed in the region.
Australian and New Zealand forces will participate while also conducting routine surveillance on North Korean maritime sanctions violations. Fleet oiler HMNZS Aotearoa (A11), as well as P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both countries, will join Annualex between surveillance missions.

Other participating forces will include the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), French Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
It is unclear how long Annualex will run. In 2023, Annualex spanned 11 days, from Nov. 10-20.
“This exercise will strengthen the ties between France, Japan and the United States, following on from the Pacific Steller exercise that took place in February of this year, bringing together 15 units around the French, American and Japanese carrier battle groups,” reads a French Ministry of the Armed Forces news release.
Coinciding with Annualex is Japan’s Self-Defense Force 2025 Joint Exercise, which is taking place at military bases across Japan. U.S. and Australian armed forces will participate in part of the exercise, according to a Japan Joint Staff Office (JSO) news release.
The JSDF will deploy approximately 52,300 personnel, 4,180 vehicles, 60 ships and 310 aircraft. The U.S. will contribute 5,900 personnel and another 230 troops from the Australian Defense Force will participate. No details were given on U.S. assets participating in the drills.
Troops will drill on anti-ship attack training using Japan’s mobile anti-ship missile launchers, as well as amphibious and airborne operations in Japan’s southwest region. Base security exercises will be conducted on Japanese and U.S. military bases. Japan’s ground forces will rehearse deployments via rotary wing aircraft and sea transportation, partnering with U.S. Navy amphibious ships. A Japanese submarine will also dock at U.S. port facilities to conduct a replenishment.
The exercise will conclude Oct. 31. (Dzirhan Mahadzir/USNI News)

IBA, Zambales — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. as the chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDEV).
As an economic strategy-formulation council, the RDC serves as the region’s highest policy-making body for planning and coordination, formulating strategies that align national priorities with local development goals to sustain inclusive economic growth in Region III.
Being picked to head the council, Governor Ebdane has vowed to prioritize programs that uplift communities and expand opportunities across the region.
“Sisikapin kong higit pang mapaigting ang mga programa at proyekto para sa pag-unlad ng Central Luzon—mula sa ekonomiya, imprastraktura, hanggang sa pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Ebdane also thanked President Marcos for the trust and confidence, saying the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility to further advance regional progress.
“Ang pagkakatalagang ito ay hindi lamang karangalan, kundi isang panibagong hamon na buong puso kong tatanggapin para sa kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan lalo na ng mga Zambaleño,” he added.
As the newly appointed chairman, Ebdane will lead efforts to harmonize development plans among local government units, national government agencies, and private sector representatives.
His three-year term at the RDC 3 coincides with his ongoing tenure as provincial governor, allowing continuity in implementing regional initiatives.
According to his appointment paper, the governor is authorized to assume office upon taking his oath and must furnish copies of his oath to the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission. (PIA R3-Zambales)

MANILA – The United States Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has welcomed the Philippines’ upcoming chairship of the bloc next year.
“We now welcome the Philippines as the ASEAN Chair for 2026. (We look) forward to working together to drive growth, create opportunities, and deepen ties that benefit both America and the region,” it said on Wednesday.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally accepted from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim the bloc’s chairship this year during a turnover ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 28.
As chair, Marcos said the Philippines will steer the bloc towards initiatives that would “fortify peace and security anchors, strengthen prosperity corridors, and advance people empowerment.”
The ASEAN, with Manila at the helm, will be launching a series of high-level meeting under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” next year.
At the 13th ASEAN-US Summit on Oct. 26, Marcos recognized the US’ active and meaningful engagement with ASEAN across all three its pillar —political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
In his intervention speech, he thanked Washington DC’s support in promoting peace at seas, combatting transnational crime, counter-terrorism while acknowledging its important role in advancing economic development in the region.
“We recognize that the global economic landscape is marked by uncertainty. ASEAN values its partnership with the United States and seeks to build practical, strategic, and forward-looking collaboration that delivers concrete outcomes for our businesses and citizens alike,” he said. (PNA)