*PH Firms Must Think ASEAN to Grow, Joey Concepcion Tells First Philippine-ASEAN Business Forum at Citadines Bay City Manila*

*PASAY CITY, Philippines — September 18, 2026* — "We cannot be great just in the Philippines. We must be great in ASEAN."

This was the strong call of *ASEAN-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines Chair Jose Ma. "Joey" Concepcion III* in his opening message at the *First Philippine-ASEAN Business Forum* with the theme *"Advancing Philippine Enterprises in ASEAN's Next Growth Chapter,"* held today, *September 18, 2026, at Citadines Bay City Manila*.

Addressing business leaders, MSMEs, policymakers, and ASEAN envoys at the hotel's ballroom, Concepcion said the Philippines has long been inward-looking, while its neighbors like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have used ASEAN as a launchpad for global growth.

 "ASEAN is not 9 other countries. ASEAN is our market. 680 million people. A $3.8 trillion economy. Yet less than 5% of our MSMEs export to ASEAN. We have to change that mindset — from local to regional," Concepcion said.

*Opening Message Highlights*

In his opening remarks, Concepcion laid out three urgent realities for Philippine enterprises:

*1. ASEAN's Next Growth is Different*

The next chapter is not about cheap labor, but about digital, green, and sustainable trade. He noted that under the new ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2026-2035, compliance with ESG, carbon tracking, and digital payment interoperability will be required to do business across borders.

*2. MSMEs are the Backbone, But They Are Left Behind*

99.5% of Philippine businesses are MSMEs, but only 10% are digitalized and even fewer are export-ready. "We keep talking about big corporations. But if we don't bring MSMEs into ASEAN, there is no inclusive growth," he stressed.

*3. Partnership, Not Competition*

Concepcion called for "transformational partnerships" — where big business mentors small, government opens market access, and ASEAN shares supply chains. He cited Go Negosyo's model of mentoring OFWs and youth entrepreneurs.

> "The Vietnamese entrepreneur thinks of ASEAN as his customer from Day 1. The Filipino entrepreneur thinks of barangay, city, maybe Manila. Today at Citadines Bay City Manila, we want to change that thinking. We want Philippine products in Jakarta supermarkets, in Bangkok convenience stores, in Singapore hospitals," he said.

*The Challenge to Philippine Enterprises*

Concepcion challenged DTI, PCCI, and the private sector to launch concrete programs, not just forums:

- An *ASEAN Ready PH Mentorship Program* for 500 MSMEs

- A *Philippine-ASEAN Business Matching Platform* to connect Filipino suppliers directly to ASEAN buyers

- Stronger push for Filipino strengths: food and halal, health and wellness, creative industries, IT-BPM services, and construction services

He ended his opening message with a personal reflection on his 40 years in business:

 "I started with a small factory. No one taught me ASEAN. I learned it late. But our young entrepreneurs today have TikTok Shop, have RCEP, have low-cost logistics. They can be ASEAN-ready faster than we ever were. Our job is to open the door for them."

The First Philippine-ASEAN Business Forum, co-organized by ASEAN-BAC Philippines, DTI, and PCCI, continues today at Citadines Bay City Manila with panels on financing, digital trade, and sustainable supply chains.

SiGMA Foundation donates 3,500 wheelchairs to the Philippines

The SiGMA Foundation has formally donated 3,500 wheelchairs to the Philippine Amusement

and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), supporting communities across the Philippines affected by

the southwest monsoon and strengthening a longstanding partnership between the two

organisations.

The ceremonial turnover took place on Wednesday, 16 September, at PAGCOR’s Corporate

Office at the MET Live Building in Pasay City, Metro Manila. SiGMA Asia Managing Director Neil

Shih represented the SiGMA Foundation, while PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Alejandro H. Tengco represented the government corporation.

In its effort to help individuals in need across the province and cities, PAGCOR will distribute

wheelchairs as part of its relief goods programme. The idea is to assist people with mobility

problems in functioning more independently and participating in everyday activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shih highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring SiGMA’s

presence in the Philippines extends beyond its role as an events organiser.

“For SiGMA, our presence in the Philippines has always been about more than

organising an event. Since we established SiGMA Asia in Manila, we have received

tremendous support from PAGCOR, the Philippine government, our industry partners

and local communities.”

He added that the organisation’s growing presence in the country comes with a corresponding

responsibility to contribute to the communities that support it.

“As our platform continues to grow in the Philippines, we also believe our responsibility

to contribute to the community should grow with it.”

Supporting mobility and independence

The contribution demonstrates the SiGMA Foundation's commitment to programmes that deliver

real social impact. According to Shih, the importance of the wheelchair for the people who

receive it is much bigger than the mere object itself.

“A wheelchair may appear to be a simple piece of equipment, but for the person

receiving it, it can mean much more. It can mean mobility, independence, dignity and the ability to participate more fully in everyday life.

The Foundation worked with PAGCOR to ensure wheelchairs could reach communities and

individuals in need through PAGCOR’s established relief efforts.

For PAGCOR, the donation also represents an extension of its relationship with SiGMA, which

has developed through three successful gaming summits held in Manila. Tengco recalled the

early stages of the partnership, including his first meeting with Neil Shih when the organisation

was seeking PAGCOR’s support to establish a gaming conference in the Philippines.

At the time, Shih told Tengco that he expected the inaugural event to attract at least 10,000

delegates. Tengco recalled questioning the scale of that projection, having recently attended a

gaming conference in Macau with considerably fewer attendees. The first SiGMA Summit in

Manila subsequently attracted close to 15,000 delegates.

A partnership beyond business

Reflecting on how the relationship has evolved since those early discussions, Tengco described

the partnership between PAGCOR and the SiGMA Group as warm and established, with the two

organisations now looking beyond events and industry development to community outreach.

He said the wheelchair initiative demonstrated what could be achieved through cooperation

between the private sector and government.

Tengco thanked Shih and the SiGMA Group for their support, while signalling PAGCOR’s

willingness to continue working together on future initiatives.

“The wheelchairs are ready to be distributed to the different parts, cities, municipalities

and provinces of the Philippines. So, on behalf of PAGCOR, I would like to thank you

[SiGMA Foundation] for the support that you are providing to PAGCOR ”

The PAGCOR Chairman also suggested that community-focused initiatives could become a

regular part of the organisation’s relationship, with opportunities to identify further ways to

support communities across the country.

Shih likewise emphasised the importance of the partnership, thanking Tengco, Senior Vice

President Dan Cecilio and the wider PAGCOR team for their continued trust and cooperation.

“The relationship between SiGMA and PAGCOR has developed far beyond the traditional

partnership. We share a common interest in supporting the responsible development of

the industry while also creating a positive impact beyond the business community.”

Continuing the commitment

The event also brought together media, partners and stakeholders for interviews, photography

For SiGMA Foundation, the donation forms part of its ongoing commitment to giving back to the

communities in the markets where the SiGMA Group operates. In the Philippines, that

commitment is being delivered in partnership with an organisation with an established national

reach and infrastructure to distribute assistance to communities in need.

Shih said the initiative demonstrated the potential of collaboration between government and

business when both sides share a focus on community support.

“Today, the ceremony is a meaningful example of what can be achieved when the private

sector and government work together with a shared purpose. We hope these 3,500

wheelchairs will make a difference to thousands of Filipinos and their families.”

The donation also reinforces SiGMA’s continued commitment to the Philippines, where its

events have brought together the international gaming industry and local operators, regulators,

government representatives, and other stakeholders.

As the Foundation continues to develop its social impact work, the wheelchair donation provides

a tangible example of how established industry partnerships can extend beyond commercial

activity to support communities and individuals across the country.

For more information on SiGMA Foundation events and initiatives, visit the SiGMA website.

*12th Annual Public Policy Conference Opens at The Westin Manila, Calls for Reshaping Economic Institutions for Human Capital Development*

*MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — September 17, 2026* — The *12th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC)* opened today, September 17, 2026, at the *Grand Ballroom of The Westin Manila Hotel, Mandaluyong City*, with a strong call to overhaul the country's economic institutions to build stronger, more inclusive human capital.

Carrying the theme *"Reshaping Economic Institutions for Transformational Partnerships in Human Capital Development,"* the conference gathered over 600 participants including national government officials, economists, private sector leaders, academe, youth representatives, and development partners.

The APPC is the flagship conference of the *Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)*, organized this year in partnership with the *Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)* and the *National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Offices*.

*From Infrastructure to People*

In his keynote address at The Westin Manila, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the Philippines is at an inflection point where economic growth must be driven not just by infrastructure and foreign investments, but by people.

 "For years, we invested heavily in Build, Build, Build. Now we must invest in People, People, People. Our economic institutions — DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DOH, DOLE — were built to work in silos. The 12th APPC challenges us to reshape them into one ecosystem that produces healthy, skilled, and adaptable Filipinos," Balisacan told delegates.

PIDS President Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño echoed the urgency, citing that the Philippines faces a triple challenge: learning poverty, skills mismatch, and an aging workforce that remains unsupported in midlife transitions.

"Human capital is not just about the youth. It is about the 45-year-old woman reskilling, the PWD who needs mobility to work, the senior citizen who still wants to contribute. If our institutions are not inclusive, our growth is not sustainable," Tuaño said.

*Highlights at The Westin Manila*

The one-day conference at Mandaluyong featured four high-level plenary sessions:

*1. Plenary 1: Reimagining Education Institutions*

Panelists from DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and PBEd discussed the proposed Philippine Skills Framework that will integrate senior high school, technical-vocational, and higher education tracks to address the 40% skills mismatch reported by employers.

*2. Plenary 2: Health as Human Capital*

DOH and PhilHealth presented reforms to shift from curative to preventive and workplace-based health systems, including nutrition, mental health, and menopause-friendly workplace policies.

*3. Plenary 3: Transformational Partnerships in Action*

Industry leaders from IT-BPM, construction, and creative industries shared models of co-designed curricula, dual training systems, and industry-funded scholarship programs that guarantee employment.

*4. Plenary 4: Financing Human Capital*

The Department of Finance and PAGCOR discussed innovative financing, including the proposed Skills Futures Fund and expanded use of PAGCOR's social responsibility fund for human capital programs like wheelchairs-for-livelihood and assistive devices.

A key moment of the conference was the launch of the *APPC 2026 Policy Agenda* which recommends:

- Creation of a *National Human Capital Coordinating Council*

- Establishment of *Regional Human Capital Innovation Hubs* in partnership with LGUs and the private sector

- Mandatory *Lifelong Learning Credits* for workers aged 40 and above

The conference concluded with a commitment signing between PIDS, DEPDev, private sector partners, and civil society groups to pursue transformational partnerships beyond 2026.

The full proceedings and research papers from the 12th APPC held at The Westin Manila Hotel, Mandaluyong City will be available at http://www.pids.gov.ph starting September 20, 2026.

*SIGMA FOUNDATION TURNS OVER 3,500 WHEELCHAIRS TO PAGCOR FOR NATIONWIDE PWD DISTRIBUTION*

*PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines — September 16, 2026* — In support of the government's inclusive healthcare and community welfare programs, the *Sigma Foundation* formally turned over *3,500 brand-new wheelchairs* to the *Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)* in a ceremony held on Tuesday, September 16, 2026, at the PAGCOR Executive Office in Pasay City.

The donation is one of the largest private-sector wheelchair donations received by PAGCOR this year and will be distributed to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and indigent patients nationwide through PAGCOR's nationwide network and partner Local Government Units (LGUs).

The ceremonial turnover was led by *Sigma Foundation Managing Director Sigma Asia and was officially received by *PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco*, together with PAGCOR officials from the Corporate Social Responsibility Group (CSRG).

Under the agreement, PAGCOR will handle the identification, validation, and last-mile distribution of the wheelchairs to ensure they reach the most vulnerable sectors in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

 "We are deeply grateful to Sigma Foundation for this generous and timely donation. These 3,500 wheelchairs are not just medical devices — they are instruments of hope, dignity, and mobility," said Chairman Tengco.

 "This partnership is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive that PAGCOR's revenues should be felt directly by the Filipino people, especially those who need help the most," Tengco added.

Sigma Foundation said the initiative, dubbed *"Project Aruga: Gulong ng Pag-asa,"* aims to address the huge backlog in mobility assistance for Filipinos who cannot afford wheelchairs.

 "We chose to partner with PAGCOR because of its unmatched reach and its heart for the marginalized. We want to make sure these wheelchairs don't just stay in warehouses — they go to the barrios, to the islands, to those who have been bedridden for years because they have no means," said Sigma Foundation's Chairman.

Each wheelchair is heavy-duty, foldable, and comes with footrests, safety brakes, and a one-year maintenance commitment from the Foundation.

*Distribution Plan:*

PAGCOR confirmed the 3,500 units will be distributed as follows:

 *1,500 units* – Luzon beneficiaries through PAGCOR's branches in Angeles, Cavite, and Bicol

*1,000 units* – Visayas beneficiaries through PAGCOR Cebu and Bacolod

*1,000 units* – Mindanao and BARMM beneficiaries

The first batch of 500 wheelchairs will be dispatched to Ilocos Norte, Quezon Province, and Davao del Norte within the week.

PAGCOR's Corporate Social Responsibility Group said beneficiaries will be validated in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and LGU Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAO).

The September 16 turnover marks the start of a long-term partnership between Sigma Foundation and PAGCOR, with both parties eyeing additional projects in 2027 involving prosthetics, hearing aids, and medical missions for remote communities.

###

For PWDs and families requesting wheelchairs, you may contact PAGCOR CSRG at (02) 8522-1357 or apply through your local PDAO.

PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON WOMEN AND WOMEN IN MIDLIFE SEAL PARTNERSHIP FOR WELLNESS, EQUITY, AND REFORM (WMPOWER)

*MANILA, Philippines — September 14, 2026* — In a landmark move to champion the often-overlooked needs of women in their midlife years, the *Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)* and the advocacy group *Women in Midlife (WIM)* formally signed a *Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)* today, September 14, 2026, at the PCW Headquarters in San Miguel, Manila.

With the theme *POWER: Partnership for Openness, Wellness, Equity, and Reform*, the MOU establishes a strategic alliance to promote the health, economic empowerment, and rights of Filipino women aged 40 and above.

The signing was led by *PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla*, together with key representatives of Women in Midlife, including advocates, medical professionals, and community leaders, in the presence of partners from the Department of Health, civil society, and the private sector.

 A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership

For decades, midlife women — facing menopause, caregiving burdens, career shifts, and mental health challenges — have remained invisible in public policy. This MOU seeks to change that.

Under the POWER framework, the partnership will focus on four pillars:

*P – Partnership for Openness:* Breaking the silence and stigma around menopause, perimenopause, and midlife transitions through nationwide awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and digital storytelling.

*O & W – Wellness:* Strengthening access to age-responsive and gender-responsive health services, including mental health support, menopause clinics, breast and cervical cancer screening, and workplace wellness programs.

*E – Equity (Bequity):* Advocating for economic equity for midlife women — from upskilling and financial literacy to protection against ageism and gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

*R – Reform:* Pushing for policy reforms, including the integration of midlife women's health and rights into the successor plan of the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) 2026-2035 and local Gender and Development (GAD) plans.

 "Midlife is not a decline, it is a power stage. Filipino women at 40, 50, 60 and beyond are nation-builders, caregivers, and leaders. This MOU ensures they are not left behind in our journey toward AmBisyon Natin 2040 — a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay for all women," said PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla.

> "We are grateful to PCW for giving midlife women a seat at the table. This is not just about menopause — this is about dignity, visibility, and value," said a representative from Women in Midlife.

 What’s Next

Following the signing, PCW and WIM will jointly roll out:

- Regional *"Usapang Midlife"* community forums in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao starting October 2026

- A *Workplace Policy Toolkit for Menopause-Friendly Workplaces*

- Integration of midlife modules into the PCW's *Gender and Development (GAD)* training programs for government agencies.

The MOU signing is part of PCW's 50th anniversary commitment to ensure that no woman — regardless of age — is left behind in the country's gender equality agenda.

#PCW #WomenInMidlife #POWERPartnership #GenderEquality

2ND PHILIPPINE SOLAR & POWER EXPO AND 2ND PHILIPPINE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS EXPO SET MEDIA LAUNCH SEPT 11 AHEAD OF SMX MOA SHOW ON SEPT 24-25

 Johnny Chotrani, Roger Reyes,  Warren Maralit,   Alejandro Mañalac,  Mark Rola, Roehl Ramon Gurango, Anthony Lichauco , and Elenita Fernando

*MANILA, Philippines* — The country's fast-growing green energy and construction sectors take the spotlight this September as organizers of the *2nd Philippine Solar and Power Expo* and the *2nd Philippine Construction and Building Materials Expo* hold an exclusive *Media Interaction and Press Preview on September 11, 2026*.

The media launch, to be held in Manila, will officially unveil what to expect at the twin expos happening on *September 24-25, 2026 (Wednesday-Thursday) at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.*

Organized by *ACE Group and Genesis Global Exhibitions*, the co-located events are positioned as a one-stop marketplace for renewable energy, construction technology, and building materials — two industries critical to the Philippines' infrastructure boom and energy transition.

 What to Expect at the Main Expo

According to the 10Times listing and industry previews, the September 24-25 expo will run alongside the *Construct Ceramics Power Expo*, bringing together over 150+ local and international brands.

*At the 2nd Philippine Solar and Power Expo:*

- Solar PV modules, inverters, and mounting structures

- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

- Smart energy, EV charging, and rooftop solar solutions

- Energy efficiency and conservation technologies under RA 11285

*At the 2nd Philippine Construction and Building Materials Expo:*

- Heavy equipment, engineering solutions, and construction tools

- Tiles, ceramics, sanitaryware, furniture, and finishing materials

- Sustainable building materials and green construction systems

- Architectural and design innovations

The expo comes at a time when the Philippines is accelerating its clean energy pivot — with projects like Meralco's MTerra Solar in Nueva Ecija/Bulacan (3,500 hectares, set to be world's largest single-site solar + battery facility) — and the construction sector pushing for smarter, stronger, and more sustainable building practices.

#### Media Interaction on Sept 11

The *September 11 Media Interaction* will feature organizers, key exhibitors, and industry partners who will share sneak peeks on new product launches, live demonstrations, and B2B matching programs lined up for the two-day show.

The press preview will also highlight the expos' role in connecting contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and energy professionals with suppliers and investors.

*EVENT AT A GLANCE:*

📍 *Media Interaction:* September 11, 2026 — Manila (by invitation)

📍 *Main Expo:* September 24-25, 2026

📌 *Venue:* SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Complex, Pasay City

🎟️ *Organizer:* ACE Group / Genesis Global Exhibitions

🔗 *Industry:* Power & Energy, Building & Construction, Ceramics & Tiles

Registration for trade visitors and buyers is now open. The expo is open to industry professionals, developers, contractors, architects, and the public.

Rising Tigers Magazine Champions Women Empowerment at Manila International Book Fair 2026

MIBF 2026 — September 10, 2026

Rising Tigers Magazine successfully hosted an exclusive magazine signing at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2026, held at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Organized in collaboration with National Book Store (NBS), the event brought together visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to celebrate female leadership and resilience.

Leading the showcase was Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Publisher, COO, and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine. An engineer and serial entrepreneur, she continues to champion emerging business leaders and foster entrepreneurial growth across Southeast Asia through high-impact media and strategic civic leadership.

The event featured dynamic icons highlighted in the latest issue, including:

• Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, President and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc., who transitioned from a young respiratory therapist into one of the country’s premier business figures and an inspiration for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

• Maria Charo Calalo, President and National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines and Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019 semi-finalist, who leverages her national platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, abuse prevention, and family welfare.

• Fatima Figueroa Alvarez, the newly crowned Mrs. Universe Philippines 2026 representing Pampanga. Alvarez, who will represent the nation at the international competition in Sri Lanka, highlighted her active community initiatives empowering women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and underserved sectors.

The magazine signing provided readers and aspiring leaders an opportunity to meet the trailblazers driving socio-economic progress across diverse industries.

The Manila International Book Fair 2026 runs from September 9 to September 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Copies of Rising Tigers Magazine are available at the National Book Store booth throughout the event.