Energy

DM Wenceslao & Associates Inc.’s 8912 Asean Avenue has secured a major regulatory boost after the government declared the property a Philippine Economic Zone Authority–registered Information Technology Center, strengthening Aseana City’s appeal to global IT and business process management locators.

Lender scales up education, livelihood and sustainability initiatives CSR Security Bank said it expanded its community, education, and sustainability programs across the country in 2025, reaching thousands of Filipinos through livelihood support, disaster response, education, culture, and green financing. The bank supported livelihoods by providing cacao seedlings and poultry kits to 40 farmers and solo parents in Aklan, mentoring 980 families in Cebu on small business and financial skills, and assisting 661 families affected by disasters in Cebu through food relief. Solar-powered streetlights were also installed in a remote community in Pampanga to improve safety and access to clean energy. Education remained a major focus. With the Security Bank Foundation, the bank donated 901 classrooms to 153 public schools nationwide, trained school leaders and teachers, supported more than 300 scholars, and provided free eye checkups and eyeglasses to 1,170 students. Security Bank also promoted culture and inclusion by supporting women leaders through the Bravo Empowered Women Awards, backing heritage events, and launching its first Paint for the Planet art competition, which drew more than 300 Filipino artists. On the environment, bank employees and partners planted 940 mangrove seedlings in La Union as part of a long-term goal to plant 10,000 mangroves to help protect coastal communities from climate risks. In sustainable finance, Security Bank exceeded its 2025 target by disbursing ₱99.4 billion in green and social loans. These funds helped provide clean water to 500,000 households, expand healthcare facilities with 544 beds and clinic rooms, and create livelihood opportunities for more than 400,000 people, mostly women. Security Bank said these milestones reflect its commitment to inclusive growth, environmental protection, and long-term community development across the Philippines.

South Korean actors Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min have been appointed as the Philippines’ newest Tourism Ambassadors by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), strengthening efforts to attract more Korean visitors to the country ahead of 2026.