CLARK FREEPORT — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on October 15 inaugurated the $80‑million United Parcel Service (UPS) Clark International Air Hub at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, a facility designed to strengthen logistics and create jobs outside Metro Manila.

The 30,000‑square‑meter hub can process 46,000 packages daily, with a maximum capacity of 15,000 per hour. Nearly 600 jobs are expected to be generated, while service expands across 1,100 global trade lanes.

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera joined Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer – Roque, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) officials, UPS executives, and private‑sector partners in welcoming the investment.

In his keynote, President Marcos stressed logistics as critical for an archipelagic nation:
“This is the role of logistics. It connects our communities, sustains our businesses, and brings opportunities closer to the people. And, especially, during calamities, the timely delivery of essential supplies becomes even more critical,” he said.

The President cited challenges in the sector, including congested ports, inadequate road networks, and high logistics costs — up to 27 percent against sales, among the highest in Southeast Asia. He said the new hub contributes to improving efficiency, with innovations such as electric ground service vehicles and UPS Premier, a specialized service for healthcare and pharmaceutical shipments requiring sensor‑based tracking and cold‑chain reliability.

Marcos also pointed to Clark’s role in broader infrastructure plans, including the proposed Subic‑Clark‑Manila‑Batangas Railway and the Supply Chain and Logistics Center established by DTI. He emphasized the importance of timely completion of projects:
“When an investor promises a project, it is our job to ensure it opens on schedule. This one certainly did.”

As the country prepares for the effects of Super El Niño, the President underscored logistics in ensuring the timely movement of food and basic commodities to help prevent supply disruptions and ease pressure on prices.

CDC, as estate manager of Clark Freeport Zone, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining an environment conducive to business and investment, recognizing the potential of major developments such as the UPS hub to generate employment opportunities, support locators, and contribute to the broader economic growth of Central Luzon.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton built U.S.-Philippines connections in the Visayas, hosting a U.S. Independence Day reception in Mactan for the first time ever, showcasing American excellence, and strengthening partnerships that promote the safety, security, and prosperity of Americans and Filipinos.

“We host an Independence Day event in Manila every year, but I knew that, for America’s 250th birthday, we also had to bring the celebration to the Queen City of the South,” Ambassador Lipton said, adding, “U.S. companies have invested nearly $400 million in Cebu and the broader Visayas region.”

Honored guests included Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu Representative Junard Chan, and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia King Chan.

During the celebration, guests were treated to American hits such as “New York, New York,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “I’m So Excited,” performed by top local band Kerara Soul Cebu. Iconic images transported guests across the United States from New York’s skyline to the White House to Arizona’s majestic Grand Canyon to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, bringing the United States into the heart of Cebu.

Ambassador Lipton’s visit also highlighted more of America’s connections to the Visayas region.
He toured the Philippines’ Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base with Brig. Gen. Luisito Angeles, Jr., to see the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site where the United States funded a $2.7 million (PHP162.8 million) fuel storage facility and work is underway on logistical facilities that will support interoperability and disaster preparedness between American and Philippine armed forces. He also met with Philippine Air Force pilots and crew responsible for strategic airlift, including the operators of the S-70i Black Hawks originally developed in the United States. These helicopters are an important way that America is supporting Philippine military modernization.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Ambassador Lipton showcased American excellence in health technology with a delivery of GeneXpert cartridges that make Americans and Filipinos safer with quick, accurate, and easy tuberculosis detection. The delivery demonstrates the $600 million (PHP36 billion) health cooperation agreement between the United States and the Philippines in action.

“By working together in TB prevention here, we invest in the people of this city. We strengthen the enduring friendship between our nations,” Ambassador Lipton said. “It is a major commitment by the Trump Administration in our Alliance. We want stronger health systems, better disease detection, and healthier communities for both our countries.”

Ambassador Lipton discussed with Cebu Governor Baricuatro opportunities to expand cooperation in critical areas like promoting reciprocal trade, tourism, public health care, and educational and cultural exchanges as well as countering transnational crime.

Ambassador Lipton visited Glory Reborn, a nonprofit maternity and newborn health clinic. Its CEO and founder is American doctor Hilary Overton and it hosts a Peace Corps Volunteer who supports its First One Thousand Days Nutrition Program.

Ambassador Lipton’s trip to Cebu is part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen the enduring ties between the United States and the Philippines. In addition to America’s 250th anniversary, 2026 marks 80 years of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The service is available through the first batch of Supreme Court-accredited Electronic Notarization Facilities (ENFs), namely Twala, QLegal, and NotarizeIT. Users may access the ENFs’ registration portals through the Supreme Court’s official website.

After registering, users may select an Electronic Notary Public (ENP) from the list of commissioned ENPs published by the Supreme Court.

Instructional videos on how to use the ENFs are also available through the Court’s website. For questions or concerns, users may contact the Electronic Notary Services Helpdesk through its online form.

Registration portals: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/enotarization/registration-portal/Opens a new window

List of commissioned ENPs: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/enotarization/commissioned-enps/Opens a new window

Instructional videos: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/enotarization/enfs-instructional-videos/Opens a new window

Helpdesk form: https://tinyurl.com/mpu5tzzv

The Manila Symphony Orchestra officially opened the new home of the MSO Music Academy at One Ayala on October 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
The new space was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, followed by the ribbon cutting by MSO Foundation President Ms. Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance Representative Ms. Marife M. Pineda, and the One Ayala General Manager Mr. Khen Akot.
The studio was graced by the presence of Standard Insurance Group Chair Mr. Judes Echauz, the MSO Music Academy teachers and MSO administrative staff, and members of the MSO press family.
The occasion brought together students, faculty, families, and members of the MSO community in celebration of MSOMA’s continued commitment to providing quality music education and meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians.
Adding to the celebration was a special mini-recital featuring MSO Music Academy students and faculty. The program included Paganini’s Cantabile, performed by Sara Maria Gonzales (violin) and Amansinaya Añonuevo (guitar); Katakataka for piano four hands, arranged by Augusto Espino, performed by students Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben, performed by young soprano Eina Lejano with Jeremiah Valenzuela on piano; Willy Cruz’s Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, arranged by Jeffrey Solares, performed by Dione Lhorrell Reyes (violin) with Jeremiah Valenzuela (piano); Vivaldi’s Summer Storm from The Four Seasons, performed by David Llandino with the MSO academy strings faculty; and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, featuring students Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists.
The program concluded with From the Start by Spencer Stuart/Laufey, performed by the string ensemble in celebration of the grant given by The Laufey Foundation to the MSO Foundation.
Aside from MSO’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, this new space gives the academy a permanent home where children, teens, and adults can learn music, develop their skills, prepare for performances and competitions, take part in its scholarship programs, or simply enjoy the joy of music-making.
The academy has six regular studios, each equipped with a piano, for lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, harp, and other instruments. A larger studio is also available for group lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and small recitals.
The new branch in One Ayala was made possible by the generous support of Standard Insurance and Mr. Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The pianos for the studios were generously provided by Mr. Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos. The MSO is especially grateful to One Ayala and Ms. Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy into their home, with the aid of MSO Trustee Mr. John Silva.
Music education remains an important part of the MSO’s work. The MSO Music Academy also continues to support its teachers through professional development, including Suzuki teacher training programs locally and internationally. By supporting both teachers and students, the Academy hopes to provide a meaningful learning experience for every learner who comes through its doors.
Today, the doors of the new academy in One Ayala are open. MSO looks forward to seeing the studios filled with God-given talents, friendships, and many new beginnings. With its new home, MSO hopes to welcome more families and learners into music education. (MSO)

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking at imposing accreditation standards among third-party collection agencies (TPCA) to enhance borrowers’ protection against abusive lending practices.
The Commission on September 30 issued for public comment the draft memorandum circular providing for the accreditation, disclosure, and oversight of TPCAs engaged by financing and lending companies.

TPCAs refer to stock corporations registered with the SEC engaged by financing and lending companies to perform debt collection services.
The draft rules aim to establish a regulatory framework that will bring TPCAs under the Commission’s direct supervision and set uniform standards of conduct for debt collection to better protect borrowers from abusive collection practices.

Accreditation
Under the draft rules, only SEC-accredited TPCAs, in addition to internal collection agents of financing and lending companies, may engage in debt collection activities.
To secure accreditation, TPCAs shall file an application with the SEC online system. Such accreditation will be valid for three years.

The agency will be included in the Commission’s registry of accredited TPCAs published and regularly updated on the online SEC database.

An accredited TPCA may apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiration of their existing accreditation. Otherwise, it will be subjected to monetary fines.

A TPCA may also be delisted from the registry if an order is issued by the SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department finding the TPCA liable for unfair debt collection practices, as provided under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019.

Final decision or resolution of administrative or criminal cases against a TPCA and other material, serious, repeated, or willful violations of this circular, related SEC issuances and applicable laws, rules, and regulations are further grounds for delisting.

TPCAs may likewise request for their voluntary delisting from the registry.

Violations, penalties

Under the draft rules, TPCAs may also face a penalty for late filing of accreditation renewal.
Further, TPCAs found to be involved in unfair debt collection practices, including unlawful house visits and use of system-generated and automated messages, may face fines ranging from P60,000 up to P200,000.

They may face delisting and revocation of their accreditation upon fourth offense.
The Commission may also blacklist the directors and officers of TPCAs delisted for unfair debt collection practices or a material misrepresentation.

Additionally, financing and lending companies will also be subjected to fines for fraudulently engaging with non-accredited or non-disclosed TPCAs of up to P2 million. Fourth violation will result in the suspension or revocation of their certificate of authority and in exceptional cases, revocation of Articles of Incorporation.

The public may submit their comments on the proposed draft through the designated online form until October 15.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Demonstrating a unified and large-scale commitment to strengthening social security coverage for Filipino workers, the Social Security System (SSS) Luzon Central 2 Division mobilized all 10 of its branches in the simultaneous conduct of the Employers’ Link and Learn Forum on September 30, 2026, reaching 797 employers across its service areas.
The division-wide initiative highlighted the collective efforts of the SSS branches under Luzon Central 2 to help employers comply with their social security obligations through proper registration, accurate employee reporting, and timely remittance of contributions. Participating employers included newly registered businesses, unregistered establishments, and firms seeking guidance in fulfilling their responsibilities to their workers under the Social Security Act.
More than a compliance activity, the synchronized forum served as a strategic stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at expanding social security protection and promoting a culture of employer accountability across Central Luzon. By bringing together employers in multiple locations under a single coordinated campaign, SSS reinforced its commitment to ensuring that more workers and their families gain access to social security benefits and protection.
SSS Luzon Central 2 Division Vice President Gloria Corazon M. Andrada emphasized that employer compliance is fundamental to safeguarding the welfare of workers and their dependents.
“Employer compliance goes beyond fulfilling legal requirements. Every employee who is properly reported and every contribution that is correctly and promptly remitted translates into meaningful social security protection for workers and their families,” Andrada said. She added that employers play a vital role in securing workers against life’s uncertainties by ensuring their continuous coverage and access to benefits during contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, and death.
The simultaneous forums conducted by the division’s 10 branches provided employers with practical guidance on their statutory obligations and the use of SSS digital services. Discussions covered Payment Reference Number (PRN) generation, the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM), online filing of sickness and maternity benefit applications, and other digital facilities designed to improve compliance and service efficiency.
Participants were likewise given the opportunity to raise concerns and receive direct assistance from SSS personnel regarding registration, employee reporting, contribution remittances, and other employer-related transactions.
The successful undertaking underscores the Luzon Central 2 Division’s continuing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the business sector and promote compliance through education, engagement, and accessible frontline services. Through the collective action of its 10 branches, the division reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers by helping employers meet their responsibilities under the country’s social security program.

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The Clark International Airport (CRK) Station of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project is being developed as the country’s first modern underground railway station directly connected to an airport, with operations targeted by 2028.
During a joint briefing and inspection of the station and other key NSCR facilities, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto underscored the NSCR’s role in strengthening connectivity and supporting economic activity along the Luzon Economic Corridor.
“Lahat ng ito ay 147 kilometers. It’s a major infrastructure, major logistics infra for the Luzon Economic Corridor. Napakahalaga niyan,” he said.
Recto also noted the potential of improved transport connectivity to support manufacturing and semiconductor activities in Clark and other parts of the corridor.
The 147-kilometer NSCR is designed to connect 22 local government units across Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, and Calabarzon through 35 stations.
As of August 2026, Contract Package N-04 of the NSCR Extension Project, which covers about 6.5 kilometers of railway infrastructure, including the underground station at CRK, has reached 87.34 percent overall progress, while the CRK Station itself is 73.29 percent complete.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan disclosed that the project will also feature an airport express service, with seven airport express trains designed to travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The service is targeted to connect CRK to Makati in 55 minutes without intermediate stops.
In addition, DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to expedite the completion of major transport infrastructure.
“Ang sabi po ng ating Pangulo, kailangan matapos itong proyekto. This is not simply for DOTr, this is not simply for our Cabalens or kababayans, but this is for the entire Filipino people,” he stated.
Lopez also emphasized the importance of collaboration among contractors, consultants, the DOTr, local government units, and local leaders in addressing site challenges, securing community support, and keeping construction on track.
Supporting the project, Recto assured that the administration is addressing past implementation concerns and providing full financial support to expedite construction and ensure the project’s uninterrupted completion.
Batan said the first partial NSCR operations are targeted by the end of 2027, covering the initial 28-kilometer segment with seven stations from the city of Valenzuela to the city of Malolos in Bulacan.
An additional 53-kilometer segment from Malolos to Clark is targeted for completion by the second half of 2028, with the CRK Station among the segments expected to be completed early.
Upon completion, the NSCR is also expected to provide an alternative to road travel, helping ease congestion and improve access between communities, employment centers, and major transport gateways.
The NSCR forms part of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, improve transport and logistics services, and contribute to the country’s climate change action agenda by supporting lower greenhouse gas emissions through expanded rail transport. (PIA Reg3)

OLONGAPO CITY — Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V, fondly known as “Vinci,” is bringing pride to Olongapo City as one of the young Filipino musicians recognized through the Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.
At 17 years old, Vinci is already making his mark as a classical violinist. He began playing the instrument at the age of eight and is guided by Maestro Jeffrey Solares. Known for his soulful expressiveness, Vinci continues to develop his artistry and establish himself as one of the country’s promising young musicians.
As a member of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, Vinci performed in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna, Austria, during the orchestra’s 2024 European tour. The MSJO won the Gold Prize and Grand Prix in Bratislava, as well as First Place with Outstanding Success in Vienna.
In 2024, Vinci became a National Finalist in the NAMCYA Junior Strings Category. In 2025, he was among the winners of the Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor.
First launched in the 1960s, the MSO Concerto Competition has long been part of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s mission to discover, nurture, and develop young Filipino musicians. For many distinguished soloists, the competition served as their first major break, opening opportunities for careers in the Philippines and abroad.
Following its successful revival in 2025, the competition continues as an annual tradition. Over the years, it has helped launch the careers of acclaimed artists such as pianist Cecile Licad, Cecilia Basilio-Roxas, Elizabeth Basilio, Virginia Laico-Villanueva, and Joselito Pascual.
The competition also provides young instrumentalists with the opportunity to perform as soloists with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and gain valuable experience on the concert stage. Through this continuing tradition, the MSO reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Filipino musicians.
From Olongapo City to prestigious concert stages in the Philippines and abroad, Vinci represents the talent, dedication, and promise of young Filipino artists. Audiences are invited to welcome him to the MSO stage as the orchestra celebrates a new generation of musicians and its enduring legacy.

Manila, Philippines – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is supporting secure, robust, and resilient supply chains by advancing the expansion of a key ship repair facility at Subic Bay in the Philippines. USTDA’s assistance to Subic Drydock Corporation (SDC) will fund a feasibility study to support the Philippines’ capacity to serve as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance, growing this strategically vital location along the Luzon Economic Corridor using trusted, U.S.-aligned infrastructure solutions. Subic Bay’s location along main maritime routes and deep-water harbor have long made it one of the country’s most important hubs for both trade and logistics. The agreement was signed at the USTDA-sponsored Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.

“Today’s agreement reflects USTDA’s commitment to developing high-impact infrastructure along the Luzon Economic Corridor using American technologies,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “Our ongoing partnerships in the Philippines will support the country’s economic growth as part of a more resilient, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

SDC has selected California-based DM Consulting, Inc. to conduct the study, which will help develop a construction-ready design package and financial analyses to expand the facility’s approach pier, allowing SDC to accommodate larger vessels. The study will be essential for mobilizing necessary financing for procurement and construction. By ensuring early engagement of qualified U.S. firms, the activity will generate opportunities to deploy high-quality American engineering, port infrastructure, and equipment solutions, positioning U.S. companies competitively against regional alternatives.

Growing demand for ship repair services requires enhancement of existing infrastructure to overcome capacity constraints. The project is expected to bolster logistics infrastructure and maritime services across the Luzon Economic Corridor, helping position Subic Bay as a vital regional supply chain hub and supporting long-term economic opportunity for the Philippines.

SDC Owner Terry Watkins, said: “We are deeply grateful to USTDA for its support and partnership. The feasibility study will help validate the requirements for extending the Approach Pier by an additional 169 meters. This extension will allow us to accommodate larger vessels and undertake repairs that are currently not possible due to draft and berth limitations. This important project will strengthen our ability to serve select U.S. and Philippine maritime customers while enhancing Subic’s capacity as a regional ship repair hub.”

Sponsored by USTDA, the Forum brought together more than 600 investors, industry leaders, and government officials to mobilize private-sector investment and accelerate commercial partnerships in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing supply chains. It featured deal signings, project pitches, and discussions focused on improving connectivity, strengthening supply chains, and unlocking private investment across the Corridor.

Ambassador Lipton, who led the U.S. delegation, described the Forum as an example of the Trump Administration’s strong commitment to creating new opportunities for American companies and workers as well as advancing mutual prosperity for the United States, the Philippines, and the Indo-Pacific region.

“The United States is all-in on the Luzon Economic Corridor because it’s good for the Philippines and good for America,” said Ambassador Lipton. “It means more investment, stronger supply chains, and high quality jobs in both our countries.”

The Forum also demonstrated growing momentum across the Corridor, with several new investments and agreements announced, including USTDA funding to advance the expansion of a key port ship repair facility at Subic Bay and to increase trusted, reliable digital connectivity by piloting AI-enhanced U.S.-made Wi-Fi access points across the Philippines.

The governments of the United States and the Philippines signed the $60 million Philippines Energy Threshold Program through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to modernize governance of the country’s energy sector and address the high cost and unreliability of power, improve the environment for investment, and expand opportunities for American commercial engagement.

Global interest in the Luzon Economic Corridor continues to grow. The LEC partnership – which currently includes Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom – expanded at the Forum to include the European Union and Spain.

Secretary Frederick Go thanked the EU and Spain for their support and trust, noting that the growing partnership can help advance projects that deliver concrete gains for the people.

“We are working toward tangible results: better infrastructure, stronger connectivity and supply chains, more investment, more jobs, and greater opportunities for the Filipino people,” he said.

Japan, the United States, and the Philippines, guided by the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” have been advancing cooperation across a wide range of areas such as infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, and supply chain resilience.

“The Luzon Economic Corridor is a prime example of such cooperation, which holds significant potential to enhance connectivity and promote further economic development in the Philippines,” said Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Ono Sho. “Japan looks forward to this Investment Forum serving as a platform to connecting public- and private-sector stakeholders, creating new investment and business opportunities, and contributing to enhanced connectivity across Luzon.”

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About the Luzon Economic Corridor

The Luzon Economic Corridor initiative is a partnership that accelerates coordinated investment to create jobs and advance a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Philippines.  Led by the Philippines, United States, and Japan, with a growing group of partner nations, the initiative focuses investment in transportation and logistics, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing along the economic corridor stretching from Subic Bay and Clark through Manila to Batangas – a region representing 50 percent of the Philippines’ GDP.  Together, these investments create new opportunities for businesses and workers, strengthen economic security and supply chains, and help make the Philippines an even more competitive destination for global investment.