Subic Bay, Zambales—On June 22, the U.S. government transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUSVs) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The delivery of these systems, valued at approximately Php754 million ($13 million), demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and to a free and open Indo-Pacific by enhancing the Philippines’ ability to detect and respond to maritime challenges and illegal maritime activities.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Bridgette Walker, U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint US. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh, Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe, and Philippine Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Unit Acting Commander Lt. Cmdr. Aldwin Pasicolan led the turnover ceremony at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base Subic.
The Triton AUSVs are capable of collecting data above and below the ocean’s surface through a resilient mesh network. The Tritons are solar-powered, allowing each unit to operate for up to 30 days for improved decision-making at the tactical and operational levels.
“The four Ocean Aero Triton AUSVs we are transferring today represent something important: the future of maritime security is not just about platforms¬—it is about capability, speed, and reach,” Chargé d’Affaires Walker said in her remarks. “The Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain is vast, contested, and critical, and the Philippines sits at the heart of it. The ability to monitor and respond to maritime challenges—illegal fishing, gray zone activities, and threats to freedom of navigation—requires persistent, long-endurance awareness that no single ship or aircraft can provide alone. The Triton fills that gap by expanding the capabilities of the Philippine Navy into critical waterways,” she added.
The delivery demonstrates how aligned investments, training, and shared standards translate into credible, ready capabilities that deter aggression and support regional stability. “Today’s delivery highlights our enduring commitment to stand with the Philippines and invest in Alliance modernization in a manner that supports the bilateral Philippines-U.S. Security Sector Assistance Roadmap objectives,” said Colonel Oh. “These unmanned capabilities support the AFP’s transition to territorial defense and improve awareness in critical waterways. The next step is to assist the Philippines integrate these new capabilities in their employment and sustainment concepts.”
The United States and the Philippines stand shoulder to shoulder as ironclad Allies, bound by shared history, common values, and an unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — Nearly a century of faith, history, and community life in Zambales took center stage as the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Museum opened a special public exhibition at SM City Olongapo Central from June 19 to 23, 2026.
Presented in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the province, the five-day exhibit invited visitors to explore a collection of immersive multimedia presentations, historical photographs, rare documents, and unique artifacts that chronicled the Church’s growth in Zambales and the lives of individuals who helped shape its story.
Open free to the public, the exhibit transformed a familiar community space into a journey through local history that spanned generations and reflected the experiences, sacrifices, and aspirations of people whose stories became part of the province’s heritage.
Mounted in collaboration with Christian Family Organizations and Christian Era Broadcasting Service International, Inc., the museum presented visitors with accounts of perseverance and conviction that traced back to the early years of the Church’s presence in Zambales. This offered a glimpse into how faith and community-building evolved alongside the province itself.
For students, the exhibit provided an opportunity to engage with historical materials seldom encountered in classrooms. For families, it offered a space for intergenerational conversations about heritage, identity, and the values that continued to shape communities.
The special pop-up exhibit reflected INC Museum’s broader mission of making history more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences through engaging and interactive experiences.
Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo, Deputy Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, emphasized the importance of understanding history as a guide for the future. “A society that understood its roots gained a clearer vision of where it had to go. History was not merely a record of the past; it was a source of wisdom that helped people make principled decisions to strengthen communities and contribute to national progress,” he said.
The initiative formed part of INC Museum’s continuing effort to bring historical and cultural learning beyond traditional museum settings, and closer and more accessible to the public.
According to Bro. Cornelio N. Cortez, Jr., Director of the INC Museum, “As cultural workers, it was imperative that as time advanced, we nurtured a generation deeply aware of its historical roots, inspired to uphold the same vision, and committed to passing on the torch of remembrance and reflection on where we came from—even when we were no longer with them.”
The INC Museum hoped that visitors left not only with a deeper appreciation of local history, but also with a renewed understanding of how enduring values could influence future generations.

ABOUT US
Owned and operated by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), the INC Museum was a non-profit cultural and educational institution in Quezon City, Philippines. The museum was established in 1984 at the INC Central Temple and was later relocated to its purpose-built facility, where it was officially inaugurated on August 26, 2019.
Through fine art, historical artifacts, immersive multimedia, and interactive exhibits, the museum presented the history, beliefs, and global presence of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Open to both INC members and the general public, the INC Museum was managed by the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the Church’s socio-cultural arm, and served as a center for heritage preservation, education, and public engagement.
For more information, visit https://incmuseum.net.

Stronger together at sea!

U.S. Department of War, U.S. Coast Guard, and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone to reaffirm our shared commitment to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

Reinforcing strong security and economic ties in Subic.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. (CDA) Bridgette Walker met with U.S. equity firm Cerberus at Agila Shipyard in the Luzon Economic Corridor, where U.S. public-private investments are improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and strengthening bilateral ties.

CDA Walker then went to U.S.-owned Subic Drydock Corporation, where critical ship maintenance and repair work supports the U.S. and Philippine navies.

As part of her trip, CDA Walker met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chair Eduardo Aliño and discussed Subic Bay’s key role in supporting the #LuzonEconomicCorridor and bolstering economic ties as #PartnersInProsperity. #FriendsPartnersAllies

Manila,—From June 3 to 7, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, hosted the ASEAN English Leadership Forum in Makati City to advance policies on English Medium Instruction (EMI)—or using the English language to teach academic subjects—and leverage American artificial intelligence (AI) to improve K-12 and higher education systems in the region.
Designed by the Regional English Language Offices at the U.S. Embassies in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hanoi, the ASEAN English Leadership Forum convened 34 academic and government officials who shape curriculum and language policy in schools and higher education institutions in all 11 ASEAN member states. With the guidance of Dr. Martha Bigelow, Professor of Second Language Education at the University of Minnesota, each participating delegation formulated an institutional strategic plan on advancing EMI that will be presented to their home university, school system, or education ministry.
“As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is shaping regional cooperation. The ASEAN English Leadership Forum showed what the U.S.-Philippines partnership produces when we work toward a shared goal,” Jeff McIlvenna said. “Every participant built their own plan, grounded in their own institution, and left with something they can act on. hat is American engagement producing real results,” he added.
Participants visited the Philippine Normal University and the University of Makati to examine how these institutions prepare students to work in an English-speaking professional environment—a challenge faced by education leaders across the region. By reviewing curriculum standards developed through U.S. collaboration programs, leaders explored practical ways to integrate professional language into technical degree programs in ASEAN.
AI was a central theme throughout the forum. Microsoft Philippines led a session showcasing the way American technology is setting the standard for measuring and delivering educational outcomes in schools across Southeast Asia. Participants learned to apply AI tools from the United States for improved teaching and learning, such as the use of Microsoft Teams as an AI-powered language tutor that provides students with customized feedback and real-time interaction.
McIlvenna followed with a workshop on how universities can integrate AI as a genuine learning tool while ensuring assessments are able to measure real student ability. Participants explored oral defenses and project-based evaluation as methods that keep human learning at the center of their programs.
A notable outcome of the Forum was the development of the Institutional Leadership Playbook—a practical, step-by-step strategy document that provides academic leaders with a blueprint for updating degree programs, setting teaching standards for technical staff, and securing approval from senior leadership.
“Under our national curriculum framework, achieving a high level of English proficiency is our immediate, vital benchmark for educators. While EMI is not yet active in our teacher education institutions, the Institutional Leadership Playbook developed through this Forum allows us to look toward the future. It provides a realistic framework to lay the groundwork today, ensuring that as we chart a long-term horizon toward EMI, we are steadily cultivating the faculty capacity and institutional standards necessary for enduring success,” said Dr. Vichheka Khuon, a forum participant from Cambodia.
The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines. Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially launched KAMANDAG Exercise 10-2026 on June 15, 2026 during an opening ceremony at Acero Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

This year’s exercise brings together forces from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), with representatives from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Thailand participating as observers.

Training activities will be conducted across Northern and Central Luzon, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, and Cavite, focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, airfield and island defense, seaborne maneuver, military free fall, and close air support to enhance interoperability and operational readiness.

Brigadier General Bob R. Apostol PN(M), Exercise Director, underscored KAMANDAG’s role as a premier multinational training platform that strengthens cooperation, readiness, and interoperability among partner forces.

Now on its 10th iteration, KAMANDAG continues to reinforce military partnerships and support collective efforts toward a peaceful, stable, and free Indo-Pacific region.

Acwa Power Philippines, a subsidiary of Acwa Power Company (Saudi Tadawul: 2082), the world’s largest private water desalination company, a leader in the energy transition, and a first mover in green hydrogen at scale, has signed a contract of lease (COL) with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for a 500-hectare site within New Clark City, marking a major milestone in the Philippines’ clean energy and industrial transformation agenda.
This project is one of the key investment commitments secured by the Philippine government under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in support of the country’s sustainable economic growth and energy security objectives.
“We have worked tirelessly with our partners across government to bring this investment to fruition, and we are pleased to see those efforts finally bear fruit. Acwa Power’s decision to invest is a strong vote of confidence in the country and the reforms being pursued under this administration. This will help unlock new investments, create quality jobs for Filipinos, and foster more resilient growth for Central Luzon and the Philippines for years to come,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.
Under the lease with BCDA, Acwa Power Philippines will develop an integrated utility-scale solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system (PV-BESS) facility. The project represents an initial investment of at least USD 400,000 per megawatt (MW), with a capacity of up to 500 MW upon full build-out, subject to final design, regulatory approvals, and future expansion phases.
For Acwa Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samir J. Serhan, the partnership translates to the growing investor confidence in the Philippines as a destination for large-scale clean infrastructure. “New Clark City reflects the kind of integrated, future-ready development that global energy investors are looking for,” he said.
“Working alongside BCDA gives this initiative both strategic clarity and long-term momentum. We see an opportunity to help power industrial growth while lowering energy costs and supporting the country’s broader economic ambitions through reliable renewable energy,” Serhan added.
The scale of the lease within an active special economic zone was itself a deliberate design decision. Salman M. Baray, Country General Manager of Acwa Philippines, said the footprint allows the company to build something genuinely integrated rather than incremental.
“We will also invest in the host communities around the site, because a project of this breadth has to work for the people who live alongside it,” Baray said.

Powering up New Clark City

BCDA is positioning New Clark City as a competitive hub for artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and other technology-driven industries — supported by world-class digital infrastructure and, through its agreement with Acwa, a reliable foundation of clean and renewable energy tailored to the needs of high-growth, energy-intensive sectors.
BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang expressed confidence in the collaboration, noting that aligning Acwa’s track record with BCDA’s development mandate will allow both parties to “accelerate the country’s renewable targets and attract the high-value tenants that depend on clean, dependable power.”
“Anchoring Acwa inside New Clark City is a defining moment for the estate. It tells global investors that this is where the Philippines’ next wave of sustainable infrastructure gets built,” Engr. Bingcang added.
The solar plant will serve as BCDA’s anchor power locator inside the New Clark City special economic zone, supplying clean, round-the-clock electricity to data centers, advanced manufacturing tenants, and other energy-intensive industries moving into the master-planned development.
The project directly supports the Philippine government’s goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the national power mix to 35 percent by 2030, while reinforcing New Clark City’s ambition to become a green, smart, and resilient urban center.
The lease also marks Acwa’s first land agreement with a Philippine government agency, representing a significant milestone in the company’s Southeast Asia growth strategy and reinforcing investor confidence in the Philippines as a destination for large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy investments

MANILA, Philippines — In 2025, SM recycled 6.6 million cubic meters, or roughly 6.6 billion liters of water – an amount that is equivalent to nearly a thousand times the water consumption of Metro Manila daily.

An advocacy that started 30 years ago

SM Supermalls’ initiatives began in the 1990s with the installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall, aimed at conserving water and protecting the environment of nearby communities. Since then, the mall operator has expanded its water conservation efforts, with 90 malls now equipped with facilities that recycle wastewater annually.
The mall operator has also embraced innovation to help reduce flooding and enhance water recovery efforts. SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility, for example, collects and treats rainwater for operational use by its tenants and kitchen facilities. From its first day of operations in November 2022 to December 2025, the facility has processed 53,740 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to serving an estimated 63,706 households.
“Since the 1990s, SM has always prioritized the welfare of nearby communities and the environment. Water is a very precious resource, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability.
SM Supermalls’ integrated networks recycle waste and rainwater for non-potable applications such as cleaning, irrigation, and watering its greeneries across its properties. Not only do the systems reduce demand for fresh water, but they also drive more sustainable and resilient operations, especially during seasonal shortages.
The institution has accelerated its water conservation initiatives in its two new malls in 2025. SM City La Union has a 760-cubic-meter rainwater catchment system and a 543-square-meter sewage treatment plant, enabling efficient water use and enhanced wastewater management. Meanwhile, SM City Laoag has a self-sustaining water network that converts deep well water into a potable supply.
SM Supermalls’ longstanding green initiatives have garnered multiple industry distinctions, including the Bantayog ng Lawa Para sa Kalikasan from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) awarded to SM Mall of Asia and the first ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award bestowed upon a private entity by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to SM Prime for supporting water stewardship.
“As SM Supermalls moves forward, it will continue to pioneer environmental systems and practices across our malls. We will continue working towards a resilient, sustainable, and eco-friendly future,” said Silerio.

About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday formally sent off Naval Task Group 84, the contingent aboard guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which will take part in this year’s “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 to be held in and around the waters of Hawaii from June 24 to July 31.
Send-off ceremonies took place at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales, with Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta spearheading the event.
“This ceremony is important since our last ship deployment to RIMPAC dates back to 2022. As such, our return to this multinational activity highlights our commitment to becoming a ‘credible partner’ under our Sail Plan 2040 vision. We likewise strengthen maritime cooperation with partner nations and navies in order to continue advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the PN chief said.
Representing the PN at this year’s exercise is BRP Miguel Malvar, with a contingent of naval personnel who will take part in a series of professional exchanges and operational activities alongside naval forces from participating nations.
This year’s exercise, likewise, marks the inaugural participation of the Philippine Coast Guard in RIMPAC, which is deploying the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), highlighting strengthened interagency maritime cooperation and a more integrated Philippine representation in multinational maritime engagements.
RIMPAC is the world’s largest maritime exercise held biennially.
“I trust that every sailor and marine who will embark on this mission will demonstrate excellence and a forward-looking mindset in everything that you will do – epitomizing a new era of maritime capability for the Philippines,” Ezpeleta said.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet said this year’s RIMPAC will bring 31 nations and will feature a multinational force of approximately 40 surface ships, fice submarines, 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.
The exercise will cover a wide range of capabilities including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile proficiency, anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations. (PNA)