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.

When more than 25,000 runners took over EDSA for the historic Galaxy Manila Marathon, they were not just participating in one of the country’s biggest races. They were part of a growing movement that is transforming how Filipinos experience running.
From record-setting marathons and major race series to inclusive community runs and pet-friendly events, SM Supermalls is emerging as one of the driving forces behind Philippine running. Through its expanding portfolio of race events and the SM Active Hub platform, SM continues to bring world-class running experiences closer to communities across the country.
The Galaxy Manila Marathon marked a defining moment in that journey. For the first time, participants ran along EDSA, connecting SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA in a landmark race that celebrated fitness, community, and national pride. The historic route transformed one of the country’s most recognizable thoroughfares into a symbol of movement and unity, creating a race experience that captured the imagination of runners from across the Philippines and beyond.
But the Galaxy Manila Marathon is only part of a much bigger story.
Long before the historic race took over EDSA, SM Supermalls had already been building momentum through a diverse calendar of running events. Since the start of the year, thousands of runners have gathered at SM destinations for races such as the Earth Day Run, Star Wars Run, Doraemon Run, Women’s Run PH, multiple legs of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia, community fun runs, and fitness events that welcomed participants of all ages and fitness levels.
These events showcase the breadth of SM Supermalls’ running ecosystem. From themed runs that bring together pop culture fans and families, to advocacy-driven races, competitive road events, and marathon majors, SM continues to create experiences that appeal to every type of runner.
Building on that momentum, SM Supermalls continues to host and support some of the Philippines’ biggest and most anticipated races, including the SM2SM Run, Singlife Cebu International Marathon, Singlife Iloilo Marathon, HOKA Midnight Run Asia, Pride Run, Decathlon Run, Pet Express Doggie Run, Sante Trilogy Run Asia National Finals, and races under the Philippine Marathon Majors series. Together, these events are helping establish SM Supermalls as one of the country’s largest and most diverse platforms for running and active lifestyles.
Continuing the momentum, thousands of runners are expected to gather at SM Mall of Asia on June 21 for the Pride Run, one of the country’s largest running events celebrating Pride Month. Bringing together runners, allies, families, and communities, the event combines fitness, self-expression, and inclusivity in a colorful celebration of diversity. The run reflects SM Supermalls’ commitment to creating spaces where people can come together, embrace active lifestyles, and celebrate what makes every individual unique.
Together, these events are expected to attract more than 100,000 runners nationwide, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ role as a major platform for running and active lifestyles.
“At SM Supermalls, we see running as more than a sport. It is a platform that brings communities together, promotes healthier lifestyles, and creates meaningful experiences for Filipinos. Through SM Active Hub and our growing portfolio of running events, we are making active living more accessible while building destinations where people can connect, celebrate, and achieve their personal goals,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.
At the center of this effort is SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls’ sports and fitness platform that connects communities through running events, fitness programs, training sessions, and wellness activities. Through SM Active Hub, runners gain access to year-round experiences that support every stage of their fitness journey, from training and recovery to race-day participation and community engagement.
What sets SM Supermalls apart is its ability to create seamless race-day journeys, from registration and race expos to training, recovery, dining, shopping, and entertainment, delivering the maxed-out experiences that today’s runners and families seek.
Through its network of 90 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls has transformed running into a movement that reaches communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From a historic 25,000 runners at the Galaxy Manila Marathon to more than 100,000 participants expected across its race calendar, SM Supermalls is helping shape the future of running in the Philippines.
As the country’s most loved mall, SM Supermalls continues to create destinations where every finish line leads to new experiences, every race becomes a shared celebration, and every runner feels part of something bigger.
Because when the Philippines runs, it runs through SM Supermalls.

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.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ major multi-million-dollar investment in Clark International Airport in Pampanga, a project expected to generate around 1,200 high-skill jobs, strengthen the country’s aviation industry, and further position the Philippines as a leading maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcement was made during the state visit of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who met with President Marcos at Malacañan Palace on June 16, 2026. Both heads of state acknowledged the project as a milestone in German-Philippine economic cooperation.
“Our relations with Germany are important not just because our portfolio of cooperation spans a wide array of sectors, but because these partnerships and projects have proven to be successful and beneficial to our national development efforts,” President Marcos said during the State Visit of German Federal President Steinmeier.
Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik AG and MacroAsia Corporation, will establish a new aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at Clark International Airport. The project represents a major multi-million-dollar investment and is expected to create around 1,200 highly skilled jobs for Filipinos.
The signed 157,000-square-meter land lease agreement with Lufthansa Technik Philippines and Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation solidifies Clark’s position as the premier aviation powerhouse. The facility within Clark International Airport will have the capacity to accommodate up to nine widebody aircraft. Operations are expected to commence in 2028 and will complement Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ long-standing operations in Manila, where the company has maintained a presence for more than 25 years.
The investment supports the Marcos administration’s efforts to attract strategic foreign investments, create quality jobs for Filipinos, and accelerate regional economic growth through the development of globally competitive industries.
Investment czar and Department of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the investment reflects growing international confidence in the Philippine economy and workforce.
“Lufthansa Technik’s expansion in Clark is a testament to the Philippines’ growing attractiveness as an investment destination for high-value industries. This project is expected to generate quality employment opportunities, enhance local capabilities, promote technology transfer, and deepen the country’s participation in global aviation and supply chains,” Secretary Go said.
Lufthansa Technik Philippines Chief Executive Officer Holger Beck said the new facility underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Philippines as a strategic hub for aviation maintenance services in the Asia-Pacific region.
“With the new base maintenance facility in Clark, we are making a significant investment in the Philippines and substantially expanding Lufthansa Technik’s network in the country and across the Asia-Pacific region. Our sites in Manila and Clark will complement each other as two strong pillars of our growth and mark an exciting new chapter for Lufthansa Technik Philippines. We are honored that President Marcos Jr. and Federal President Steinmeier recognized this commitment during their meeting today,” Beck said.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), which is leading the development of the Clark growth corridor, highlighted the project’s role in advancing Clark as a major center for aviation, logistics, and high-value industries.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the investment reinforces Clark’s emergence as a premier destination for globally competitive industries and aviation-related investments.
“Lufthansa Technik’s decision to expand in Clark is a strong endorsement of the Philippines, our workforce, and the strategic advantages of Clark as an investment destination. This project will create meaningful opportunities for Filipino engineers, technicians, and aviation professionals while strengthening the country’s aviation ecosystem and generating long-term economic benefits for communities across Central Luzon and beyond,” Bingcang said.
The project is expected to generate substantial socioeconomic benefits by creating high-value employment opportunities for Filipino engineers, aircraft technicians, aviation specialists, logistics providers, suppliers, and other allied industries. It is likewise expected to strengthen the country’s aviation services sector and attract complementary investments in aerospace, logistics, manufacturing, and related industries.
The project is also expected to reinforce Clark International Airport’s role as a strategic aviation and logistics hub within the Luzon Economic Corridor while strengthening the Philippines’ connectivity with key markets in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
BCDA, together with private partner LIPAD, continues to advance the development of Clark International Airport as a premier aviation and logistics gateway through strategic investments in infrastructure, connectivity, and industry partnerships. Lufthansa Technik’s investment marks a significant vote of confidence in the country’s economic prospects, the capabilities of the Filipino workforce, and the growing role of Clark in the regional aviation industry.

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

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated ₱389 million in revenues from port operations during the first quarter of 2026, with a 20 percent increase from last year’s ₱324 million.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao disclosed that the Seaport Department alone generated ₱302 million of the said amount, the Airport Department with ₱50 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) at ₱36 million.
According to Yambao, the Seaport Department generated ₱302 million from higher Vessel and Cargo Charges which increased by 31 percent, while the number of ship calls also increased by 20 percent.
The Port of Subic recorded a total of 463 ship calls by foreign and domestic vessels, 171 of which were bulk and break-bulk vessels, recording a 29 percent increase. Meanwhile, there was also an 18% increase in recorded port calls with 159 liquid bulk vessels.
“Consequently, revenues from SBMA’s share in Pilotage Services also increased by 20 percent, while Tugboat Services posted a significant 75 percent growth,” he said.
Revenues from wharfage fees also escalated by 24 percent with an increase in total volume of containerized cargo by 3 percent. This was driven mainly by a 5 percent growth in imports, equivalent to 28,070 TEUs.
Major contributors included assorted food products from Ecossential Foods Corp., and rubber products from Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc. Export cargoes likewise grew substantially by 31 percent, reaching 15,757 TEUs, primarily contributed by DSV Air and Sea Inc. and Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc.
Meanwhile, non-containerized cargo volume posted a remarkable 30 percent increase, mainly driven by bulk and break-bulk cargoes, which rose by 47 percent. Key commodities contributing to this growth included rice (up by 331 percent), corn (up by 571 percent), soybeans (up by 15 percent), wheat (up by 16 percent), and liquid bulk petroleum products (up by 11 percent).
Yambao added that revenues from SBMA’s share in Cargo Handling Services increased by 22 percent, largely from Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc., Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc., and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc.
The Port of Subic Bay is one of the largest, busiest, and most strategically significant seaports in the Philippines. Managed by the SBMA, this naturally deep-water harbor operates within a tax and duty-free zone, making it a prime regional gateway for international trade across Asia and a vital economic alternative to the congested Port of Manila.