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Major business and education groups have thrown their full support behind Education Secretary Sonny Angara, endorsing the proposed P1.38-trillion allocation for the education sector in the 2026 national budget. 

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is ramping up its nationwide MICE—meetings, incentives, conventions and events--footprint with the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, set to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The national government (NG) on Wednesday reported posting a P11.2-billion budget surplus in October, marking a 76 percent increase from the same month last year. This improvement helped narrow the fiscal deficit to P1.11 trillion for the first ten months of the year, keeping the government on track with its full-year consolidation goals.

Manila Water is urging customers to avail of its free desludging service this December to keep septic tanks in good condition and avoid holiday inconvenience. The company says regular desludging helps prevent tank overflow, foul odors, and health risks from untreated wastewater, while also supporting environmental protection.

Security Bank Corp. has exceeded its 2025 sustainable finance target ahead of schedule, releasing P99.4 billion in green and social financing as of October 2025—18 percent above its full-year goal. The bank says the milestone reflects strong demand for sustainable investments in the Philippines and supports its ambition to become a leading partner in the sector.