INNOVATION SHOWCASING AND LEARNING EVENT

*October 17, 2026 | Ardenhills Suites & Hotel, Quezon City*

*Main Spotlight: Samar and Bicol Youth Lead the Way in Addressing Disaster and Climate Change*

*October 17, 2026*, the *Ardenhills Suites & Hotel in Quezon City* will host a timely and powerful gathering — the *Innovation Showcasing and Learning Event* — putting the spotlight on the most inspiring innovators of our time: *the youth of Samar and Bicol*.

While the Philippines braces for a *very strong El Niño expected to persist until early 2027* — bringing drought, water shortages, and risk of both dry spells and sudden floods — young Filipinos from two of the most climate-vulnerable regions are showing the nation how to prepare, adapt, and lead.

From Vulnerability to Leadership

Samar and Bicol know disaster firsthand. Calbayog City alone has declared a state of calamity four times since 2022 due to floods. In Bicol, P235 million worth of agricultural damage has already been reported in 2026, and water districts in Naga report 30% decline in water sources.

But instead of waiting for aid, the youth are stepping up.

*In Samar:*

- *Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU)* students and its Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight are leading tabletop exercises and scenario-planning workshops this October with LGUs of Calbayog and San Jorge.

- Youth volunteers are developing community-based early warning systems, mapping vulnerable barangays, and teaching "Foresight is not predicting the storm. It is deciding, while it is quiet, who will do what when it comes."

*In Bicol:*

- Bicolano youth groups, supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Greenpeace Philippines, are pushing for Local Climate Change Adaptation Plans (LCCAP) and integrating climate resilience into barangay planning.

- From creating Small Water Impounding Systems (SWIS) in Catanduanes to running barangay forums on water conservation in Naga City, Bicol youth are turning bamboo planting, soil conservation, and water saving into community movements.

- As one Bicol youth coalition declared: "We've had enough. We deserve a sustainable, liveable, and better way of living."

*1. Youth Innovation Showcase (10 AM - 12 NN)*

Live demos by Samar & Bicol youth:

- Low-cost rainwater harvesting and SWIS models

- Drone mapping for flood-prone areas

- TikTok-based DRRM education campaigns

- Community food pack prepositioning apps inspired by DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS

*2. Learning Forum (1 PM - 4 PM)*

- Panel: "El Niño to La Niña: How Youth Can Bridge the Dangerous Handover from Drought to Flood"

- Workshop: Building Your Barangay Resilience Plan — with NwSSU and DSWD resource persons

- Storytelling: "What I Learned from Quinta, Rolly, and the Pandemic" by Bicol youth leaders

*3. Interoperability in Action*

In line with DMAP DigiCon 2026's theme this week — *"Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration"* — this event proves that interoperability is not just about tech. It's about Samar youth talking to Bicol youth, LGUs working with universities, and Manila learning from the regions.

*Event Details:*

*Venue:* Conference Hall, Ardenhills Suites & Hotel, Quezon City (near SM North EDSA)

*Date:* October 17, 2026, 9AM-5PM

This is not just an innovation event. It's a handover of the future — from those who have endured disasters to those who are determined to end the cycle.

*Learn how the youth of Samar and Bicol are not just surviving climate change. They are solving it.*

DMAP DigiCon 2026: INTEROPERABILITY - Welcome to the Age of Collaboration

The future will not be built in silos. That is the bold message of the *Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP)* as it officially unveils *DigiCon 2026*, happening *October 15-16, 2026 at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel*.

Now on its *11th year*, DigiCon remains the Philippines' premier gathering for marketers, technologists, creatives, business leaders, and innovators — with over *2,000 delegates* expected this year.

This year's theme: *“Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration.”*

 What is Interoperability?

DMAP defines interoperability as *the ability of different teams, systems, and sectors to work together* — people, technology, data, and business processes driving innovation together. 

“We are entering a new era, an age where progress is powered by coming together,” said *Raymund Sison, Co-Chair of DigiCon 2026*. “The future will not be built in silos. It will not belong to those who work alone. It will be shaped by connections, synergies, and ecosystems of collaboration where ideas, technologies, and communities converge.” 

 “DigiCon has always been about what's next,” added Co-Chair *Shayne Madamba*. “In 2026, what's next is working together across disciplines, across industries, and across technology.” 

 5 Tracks to Experience

DigiCon 2026 is structured into five immersive tracks:

1. *Innovation* - AI and human-machine collaboration, moving beyond AI hype to real business application

2. *Integrated* - Partnerships among organizations from different fields and industries

3. *Immersive* - Creating connected customer experiences across digital and physical channels

4. *Impact* - Purpose-driven cultures, storytelling, and brand purpose

5. *Interactive* - Workshops, collaborative hackathons, and live debates 

What's New in 2026

*1. DigiConX* - A series of satellite pop-up events at schools, campuses, and organizations nationwide, bringing the DigiCon conversation beyond Manila. 

*2. Global Speakers* - International keynotes including *Dr. Christian Busch*, bestselling author of _Connect the Dots_ (USC & London School of Economics), and *Judy John*, Global Chief Creative Officer of Edelman Canada. 

*3. Focus on Collaboration, Not Just Tech* - Unlike previous years focused on emerging tech, DigiCon 2026 examines how companies can build customer experiences through partnerships and involve audiences directly in developing products and campaigns.

As the digital landscape becomes more fragmented by platforms and tools, DMAP reminds us that *interoperability isn't just a technical concept but a mandate* — no brand, platform, or industry succeeds alone. 

FENYX: WHERE BRANDS RISE

 

In a world crowded with noise, only a few brands truly rise. *FENYX* was built for that moment — the moment when a business stops competing and starts leading.

*More Than a Name. A Statement.*

The name FENYX is inspired by the Phoenix — the legendary bird that rises from ashes, stronger, bolder, and reborn. We believe every brand has that same power. No matter where you started, no matter how crowded the market is, your brand can rise above.

At FENYX, we don't just make brands look good. We make them unforgettable.

*WHAT WE DO*

*1. Brand Identity That Commands Attention*

From logo to colors to typography, we craft identities that speak before you say a word. Luxury. Trust. Power. Whatever your brand stands for, we make it visible.

*2. Real Estate & Corporate Branding*

We specialize in high-value industries — Real Estate, Education, Lifestyle, and Professional Services. We understand that in these fields, branding is not decoration. It's credibility.

*3. Digital Presence That Converts*

Your website, your social media, your calling card — they are not separate pieces. They are one story. FENYX unifies that story across www, print, and physical spaces to turn viewers into clients.

*OUR PHILOSOPHY: RISE ABOVE*

Most agencies ask, "How do you want to look?"

We ask, "How high do you want to rise?"

- *R - Reimagine:* We strip your brand down to its core purpose.

- *I - Ignite:* We create visuals and messaging that spark emotion.

- *S - Strategize:* We position you where your competitors cannot reach.

- *E - Elevate:* We launch you to become the standard in your industry.

*WHY FENYX?*

Because good branding gets you noticed. Great branding gets you chosen.

And FENYX branding? It makes you rise.

Whether you are a Real Estate Broker building trust in Pasay City, a school shaping future leaders, or an online platform like http://Pilipinas-Online.com connecting Filipinos worldwide — you don't need just marketing. You need a rebirth.

*This is FENYX.*

*WHERE BRANDS RISE.*

_Contact us to start your rise._

_Email: hello@fenyx.com | http://www.fenyx.ph_

Faith Forward: Reclaiming HIV in the Health Agenda *Multistakeholder Dialogue | September 24-26, 2026 | Astoria Hotel, Philippines*

*Manila, Philippines —* Faith leaders, health officials, youth, people living with HIV, and civil society came together for a historic three-day dialogue to put HIV back at the center of the health and moral agenda.

With the theme *"Faith Forward: Reclaiming HIV in the Health Agenda,"* the Multistakeholder Dialogue held on *September 24-26, 2026 at the Astoria Hotel, Philippines*, convening participants from government, faith-based organizations (FBOs), medical community, development partners, and key populations.

The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Asia and the Pacific. Despite medical advances, stigma, misinformation, and shrinking space for dialogue continue to hamper response. This dialogue seeks to change that — by harnessing the unique moral influence of faith.

 Why Faith? Why Now?

Faith communities reach where health systems often cannot. In a highly faith-driven country like the Philippines, pastors, priests, imams, and faith leaders are trusted gatekeepers who can either perpetuate stigma — or break it.

This dialogue moved beyond judgment to compassionate, evidence-based, and rights-affirming action.

Three Days, One Goal: From Dialogue to Action

*Day 1 — September 24: RECLAIMING THE REALITY*

Opening plenary: State of HIV in the Philippines in 2026

Voices from the ground: Testimonies from PLHIV, young key populations, and mothers

Faith and Science: Can compassion and condoms coexist?

*Day 2 — September 25: REFRAMING THE RESPONSE*

Multistakeholder Labs:

- Youth and Faith: Bridging the prevention gap

- Combating Stigma in Pulpits, Clinics, and Classrooms

- Sustainable Financing for Community-Led HIV Response

- Reclaiming UHC: Integrating HIV into Primary Health Care

*Day 3 — September 26: FORWARD TOGETHER*

Presentation of the *Faith Forward Covenant* — a shared commitment and action roadmap

Interfaith Prayer and Solidarity Service

Closing and Launch of Regional Faith & Health Network

Expected Outcomes:

1.  *The Astoria Covenant on Faith and HIV* — a joint statement of principles and commitments from faith and health sectors

2.  Creation of a *National Faith & Health Taskforce on HIV*

3.  Concrete community action plans for local churches, mosques, and temples to implement stigma-free HIV education, testing referral, and care support.

- Faith-Based Organizations and Interfaith Networks

- Department of Health, PNAC, Local Government Units

- People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Networks and Key Population Communities

- Youth leaders, Health workers, CSOs, academe

- Development partners, private sector, and media

HIV is not just a medical issue. It is a moral issue, a youth issue, a justice issue.

For three days at the Astoria, we listened, learned, and lead — faith forward.

World PET Expo 2026 Returns for a Bigger Second Edition, Uniting Pet Owners, Businesses, and Industry Leaders

Manila, Philippines - Worldbex Services International (WSI) officially opens the second edition of

the World PET Expo, a premier event celebrating the growing pet industry in the Philippines.

Running from September 24 to 27, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the expo

brings together pet owners, businesses, and industry professionals for a weekend dedicated to

pets and their well-being.

Pet ownership continues to grow across the Philippines. According to the International Trade

Administration, a Kantar Philippines survey found that 94% of Filipino households are pet

owners, giving the Philippines the highest level of pet ownership in Southeast Asia. While dogs

remain the most common household pets, cats have also become increasingly popular.

For many Filipinos, pets are considered part of the family, with owners placing greater emphasis

on their pets’ health, happiness, and overall well-being. This growing commitment has also

driven demand for a wider range of pet products and services, from premium toys and

accessories to diapers, strollers, and carriers designed for pets on the go.

The World Pet Expo responds to this growing interest by providing a dedicated platform where

pet owners can discover products, services, and information to help them care for their pets.

The event also highlights the businesses and innovations contributing to the continued growth of

the pet industry.

The Opening Ceremony was held on September 24, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro

Manila and was hosted by radio DJ and events host Tina Ryan. Her enthusiasm and energy

was felt throughout the ceremony and helped bring the mood of everyone watching on high

lievels. The ceremony was attended by industry leaders, distinguished guests, and VIPs who

gathered to celebrate the official opening of the expo.

Highlighting World Pet Expo’s growing role as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and

industry development, WSI Managing Director Ms. Jill Athnie Ang shared, “World Pet Expo is

becoming the premier platform where the pet industry comes together … Together, we

are building an industry, strengthening a community, and creating a better future for our

pets.”

Other distinguished guests also delivered messages during the ceremony, including Mr. Ernie

Lopez, the Advocacy Ambassador for the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.; Ms. Pamela Pascual, the

Chairman and CEO of the World Trade Center Metro Manila; Hon. Dr. Christian P. Daquigan,

DVM, Officer-in-Charge and Director for the Bureau of Animal Industry for the Department of

Agriculture (represented by Dr. Glenn Reyes); Hon. Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano , Mayor for the

City of Pasay (represented by Former Councilor Joey Calixto Isidro , Special Assistant to the

Mayor ); Hon. Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head for the

Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) in the Department of Trade and Industry

(represented by Mr. Emerson Labang, Officer-in-Charge for the Bureau of Domestic Trade

Promotion); and Hon. Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture

(represented by Asec. Michael De Joya Garcia).

With four days of activities, exhibits, and opportunities for pet owners and industry stakeholders,

the World Pet Expo 2026 aims to bring the pet community together while showcasing the

products, services, and innovations shaping the future of pet care in the Philippines.

Spend your “fur-fect” week with your fur friends in this exciting event, here at the World Pet

Expo 2026, happening here at the World Trade Center Metro Manila! This event is open until

September 27, 2026, so come and get your tickets now at https://worldpetexpo.ph/. Follow the

official pages on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest updates and news:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/WorldPetExpo

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/worldpetexpo/

The World PET Expo 2026 is organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the

benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.

*ASEAN Opens Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy in Manila: From Waste to Wealth*

*MANILA, September 22, 2026 — New World Manila Bay Hotel* — The Philippines is hosting the *ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy* from *September 22-23, 2026*, bringing together more than 200 policymakers, business leaders, MSMEs, and sustainability champions from 10 ASEAN Member States.

Themed *"Circular ASEAN: Closing the Loop, Opening Opportunities,"* the two-day dialogue is organized by the *Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)* in partnership with the *EU-ASEAN Green Economy Programme, UNIDO, and the ASEAN Secretariat.*

The dialogue comes at a critical time: ASEAN generates over 50 million tons of plastic waste annually, with the Philippines identified as a major contributor to ocean plastic. At the same time, new EU and ASEAN regulations are requiring products to be designed for reuse, repair, and recycling.

*Day 1 Highlights — September 22*

Opening the dialogue, *DTI Secretary* said the circular economy is no longer an environmental advocacy but a trade imperative:

"If we want to export to Europe and to each other, we must be circular. The future ASEAN product is refillable, repairable, recyclable, and traceable."

*DENR Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones*, in charge of Policy and International Affairs, presented the Philippines' progress on *Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act* — where 800+ large companies are now required to recover their own plastic packaging. He also announced the pilot *Pasig River Interceptor Project* with The Ocean Cleanup as a model for turning recovered waste into value.

Key sessions on Day 1 included:

 *Panel 1: Policy Harmonization* — Can ASEAN create one circular standard?

*Panel 2: Business Models That Work* — From refilling stations in sari-sari stores to plastic-to-school-chairs (Green Antz), PH MSMEs showcased profitable circular models.

*Panel 3: Financing Circularity* — BDO, BPI, and ADB discussed green loans for circular MSMEs.

*Day 2 Focus — September 23*

Tomorrow will focus on *LGUs as Frontliners* with DILG Undersecretaries, including *Atty. Jon Paulo V. Salvahan (Plans and Programs)* and discussions on how to integrate circularity into local solid waste management plans.

A *Circular Marketplace* at the New World Hotel lobby features 30 Filipino circular enterprises — from eco-bags made from kangkong to building materials from shredded sachets.

*Expected Outcome:*

The dialogue is expected to produce the *Manila Call to Action on Circular Economy*, a joint statement urging ASEAN to:

1.  Create a regional EPR framework by 2028

2.  Establish an ASEAN Circular Economy Innovation Fund for MSMEs

3.  Include informal waste workers in the transition

The event at New World Hotel is open to registered participants and will be livestreamed on DTI Philippines Facebook page.

“WE ARE AT LEVEL 9” IN BSKE PREPARATIONS Declared by COMELEC Chair

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia emphasized that the poll body continues to prepare for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) based on the law currently in effect.

Speaking to the media at the COMELEC Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, on September 18, Garcia said the decision on whether the BSKE will proceed or be postponed does not rest with COMELEC, but with Congress.

Garcia explained that, as of September 18, the elections were still scheduled for November 2, prompting COMELEC to continue its preparations.

“At the level of 1 to 10, we are already at 9 in terms of preparation,” Garcia said.

He stressed that COMELEC’s actions are guided by the law in force each day. While the poll body must prepare for the scheduled elections, Garcia said those preparations would immediately stop if Congress enacted a new law changing the election schedule or fixing the terms.

For COMELEC, the message is clear: prepare according to the law, remain ready for any change in legislation, and implement whatever Congress ultimately provides.

— COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia

Media interview, COMELEC Main Office, Intramuros, Manila

September 18, 2026