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.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned of possible lahar and muddy streamflows from Mount Pinatubo and Taal Volcano as heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon continue.
In an advisory issued Saturday, PHIVOLCS said prolonged and intense rainfall could trigger volcanic sediment flows, muddy runoff, and flooding in rivers and drainage areas surrounding the two volcanoes.
At Mount Pinatubo, significant deposits from the 1991 pyroclastic density currents remain in the watershed, which could be remobilized by heavy rains and generate non-eruption lahars.
PHIVOLCS said these flows may occur along the upper to middle reaches of the Sto. Tomas-Marella and Bucao River systems before transitioning into muddy streamflows and floods downstream. Communities in San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, and Botolan in Zambales could be affected.
Muddy streamflows may also develop along the O’Donnell and Pasig-Potrero river systems, potentially affecting downstream communities in Tarlac and Pampanga.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall could trigger muddy streamflows, runoff, and volcanic debris flows around Taal Volcano, particularly along the western and northern slopes of Taal Lake.
PHIVOLCS said old and loose volcanic deposits that have become saturated from previous rains could be remobilized through streams, roads, and lakeward slopes.
Agoncillo, Laurel, and Talisay in Batangas are among the communities that could again be affected by muddy and debris flows.
PHIVOLCS urged communities and local government units in vulnerable areas to closely monitor weather conditions and undertake preemptive measures to ensure public safety.

Third Service Contract Awarded in Pursuit of New Secure Energy Source for the Country

Manila, Philippines and Denver, United States – Koloma, the world’s leading natural hydrogen exploration company, announced today that the Government of the Philippines awarded the company exclusive rights for natural hydrogen exploration in western Zambales Province, under Service Contract 92.
Last October, Koloma received two Service Contracts for hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, as part of the first competitive bid round for natural hydrogen exploration in the world, and has commenced exploration activities in both. Together, Koloma’s three service contracts now encompass more than 1,600 square miles (4,100 square kilometers).
“We are honored to deepen our partnership with the Government of the Philippines to pursue what could be a transformative opportunity for the country, in terms of energy security and economic growth,” said Pete Johnson, CEO of Koloma. “We are grateful for the government’s vision and leadership in advancing natural hydrogen exploration,” he added.
The Philippines sits on some of the best-documented natural hydrogen data in the world, making it one of the most promising settings for exploration. A discovery of commercial-scale natural hydrogen would give the Philippines a domestic, primary energy source and position it as a regional energy hub.
“The award of additional exploration rights to Koloma builds on the company’s ongoing activities in Central Luzon and marks a significant expansion of the indigenous energy exploration program,” said Philippines Secretary of Energy, Sharon S. Garin. “If discovered in commercially viable quantities, natural hydrogen could strengthen the country’s energy security at no cost to taxpayers, while providing a zero-emission fuel source for our power grid, industries, and agricultural sectors. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Koloma in this effort.”
Koloma is uniquely positioned to partner with the Government of the Philippines in this endeavor. The company has assembled a world-class team of geo-scientists and exploration experts, whose work is guided by cutting-edge research and the largest proprietary dataset in the industry.
In addition to the Philippines, Koloma has active exploration partnerships and activity across four continents.
About Koloma
Koloma is a data-driven natural hydrogen exploration company leveraging its cutting-edge technology, proprietary data, and deep industry expertise to identify and produce natural hydrogen in the United States and across the globe.
Koloma is actively engaged in exploration and partnerships that will play a role in global decarbonization efforts. We have the backing of leading clean energy funds and major corporations and are capitalized to swiftly scale our exploration efforts.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic has successfully condemned and destroyed three 40-foot containers containing approximately 3,000 cases of assorted-brand cigarettes valued at ₱129.065 million, reinforcing its commitment to proper customs enforcement and the lawful disposal of abandoned goods.
The destruction was conducted from July 28 to August 3, 2026, at Legaxy 88 Recyclable Materials Collection Services in Santa Maria, Bulacan, the Port’s accredited disposal facility. The condemned cigarettes, which had been declared abandoned, were destroyed through shredding and pyrolysis in accordance with established disposal procedures.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the disposal activities were livestreamed through the Port of Subic’s official YouTube account [https://www.youtube.com/@BOC – PortofSubic], allowing the public to witness the destruction process.
The three containers form part of 10 containers of abandoned cigarettes identified for disposal, with a total estimated value of approximately ₱413 million. To date, three containers have been successfully condemned and destroyed.
Following the destruction of the initial three containers, condemnation and disposal activities for the remaining seven containers are ongoing and are being livestreamed through the Port of Subic’s official YouTube channel to promote transparency and public accountability throughout the disposal process.
The Port of Subic emphasized that all disposal activities are conducted in coordination with the appropriate committees and accredited disposal facilities to ensure that condemned goods are properly accounted for, rendered unusable, and disposed of in accordance with the law.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, and guided by District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay and Auction and Cargo Disposal Unit Chief Ronald P. Arzadon, the Port of Subic continues to uphold its commitment to safeguarding government revenue, securing the country’s borders, and promoting transparency and accountability in customs operations.