*Philippine Conference on Children and Media 2026 Opens in Quezon City: Building a Safe, Dynamic, and Child-Friendly Media Environment*

*Philippine Conference on Children and Media 2026 Opens in Quezon City: Building a Safe, Dynamic, and Child-Friendly Media Environment*

*QUEZON CITY, Philippines — October 25-28, 2026 —* The *National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT)*, in partnership with the Department of Education, officially opened the *Philippine Conference on Children and Media (PCCM) 2026* — a four-day national conference running from *October 25 to 28, 2026 at the Novotel Manila, Quezon City.*

With the theme *“Building a Safe, Dynamic, and Child-Friendly Media Environment,”* PCCM 2026 brings together child development experts, educators, broadcasters, content creators, regulators, parents, and children themselves to confront the most urgent question of our digital age: How do we protect children while empowering them in a media world driven by algorithms and Artificial Intelligence?

 From Television to TikTok: A New Reality for Filipino Children

Created in 1997 — when social media did not yet exist — the NCCT has evolved from monitoring children’s TV to shaping policy for all media that children consume.

“Definitely, sa television lang tayo nakakakuha ng information at balita. It’s different now because there are many sources,” said *Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara* in his welcome address on Day 2 (Oct 26). The Secretary, who shared that he grew up watching _Sesame Street_, emphasized that “the way children are getting information now is fundamentally different.”

Angara warned about the rising mental health challenges linked to overexposure — depression, anxiety, and even nihilistic violent extremism observed in schools. “Learning is still the control in schools and not algorithms,” he stressed, noting DepEd’s ban on cellphone use in classrooms and its *Kaagapay program* that engages parents on responsible media use.

“We are asked by no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect and safeguard our children for their future,” Angara said, as he and NCCT officials signed the Commitment Wall.

Key Issues at PCCM 2026

*Day 1-2 (Oct 25-26): The State of Children and Media*

NCCT OIC Ma. Jowelyn Abendan presented the conference overview —  data on Filipino children’s screen time, content gaps, and the impact of AI-generated content. DepEd cannot control what happens at home, Angara admitted, urging parents to regulate social media use, especially during family meals.

*Day 3 (Oct 27): Regulation and Creation*

Panel discussions on proposed legislation to restrict minors’ access to social media, child-friendly content standards, and incentives for local producers to create educational, culturally-rooted programs. Broadcasters and platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and local networks will discuss co-regulation.

*Day 4 (Oct 28): The Commitment*

Launch of the *National Agenda for Child-Friendly Media 2026-2030*, including media literacy curriculum integration, mental health safeguards, and support for Filipino creative industries producing child-centered content.

 A Call to Action

PCCM 2026 is more than a conference — it is a national commitment.

As Angara put it: “Let's make media a safe place for them, a place that encourages them, that gives them a positive outlook on life, and also encourages them to be better citizens.”

The conference runs until October 28 at Novotel Manila, with workshops for teachers, screening of child-friendly programs, and a Children’s Media Exhibit.

*#PCCM2026 #ChildFriendlyMedia #NCCT #SafeMediaForChildren*

ASEAN UNIFIES CHIP FUTURE AT INAUGURAL SEMICONDUCTOR FORUM

 

*ASEAN Semiconductor and Electronics Forum (ASEF) Opens Today at SMX Convention Center MOA*

*MANILA, Philippines – October 26, 2026 –* The future of the global semiconductor industry takes center stage today as the *ASEAN Semiconductor and Electronics Forum (ASEF)* officially opens at the *SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City*.

Carrying the theme *“ONE ASEAN, ONE SEMICONDUCTOR FUTURE: Building Resilient and Sustainable Global Value Chains,”* ASEF 2026 gathers over 1,500 delegates — Ministers of Trade and Industry from all 10 ASEAN Member States, CEOs of global chip giants, electronics manufacturers, startups, academe, and development partners — for the first-ever region-wide semiconductor summit hosted by the Philippines as ASEAN Chair.

Why Now, Why ASEAN?

The world is facing a $1 trillion semiconductor demand by 2030, but supply chains remain fragile, concentrated, and carbon-intensive. ASEAN, which contributes *23% of global electronics exports and houses 15% of global ATP (Assembly, Test, Packaging) capacity*, presents the answer: diversification, resilience, and sustainability.

“ASEAN is not just an alternative — ASEAN is the future backbone of the global semiconductor value chain,” said the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “ONE ASEAN, ONE SEMICONDUCTOR FUTURE is our commitment that when the world needs chips, ASEAN delivers — together.”

 What’s Happening at SMX MOA Today – Oct 26

*Day 1 Highlights (SMX Halls 1-4):*

*09:00 AM – Opening Ceremony & Leaders Keynote*

Joint declaration by ASEAN Economic Ministers on Semiconductor Cooperation.

*10:30 AM – Panel 1: Mapping ONE ASEAN Value Chain*

From Singapore’s R&D to Malaysia’s OSAT dominance, Vietnam’s fab growth, Thailand’s PCB strength, and the Philippines’ minerals and EMS capabilities — mapping complementarity to avoid competition.

*01:30 PM – Panel 2: Resilient Global Value Chains*

How to build supply chains that can withstand geopolitical shocks, pandemics, and climate disruption. Launch of the *ASEAN Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.*

*03:00 PM – Panel 3: Sustainable Value Chains*

Launch of the *ASEAN Green Semiconductor Framework* — low-carbon fabs, responsible nickel-copper-gallium sourcing, water circularity, and ESG-aligned semiconductor investments.

*04:30 PM – ASEF Business Matching & Exhibit*

120 exhibitors from TSMC partners, Infineon, Amkor, Texas Instruments, STMicro, and ASEAN unicorns showcasing advanced packaging, power electronics for EVs, and AI chips.

The Three Deliverables of ASEF 2026

1.  *ASEAN Semiconductor Council* – a permanent private-public body to coordinate investments.

2.  *ASEAN Chip Talent Alliance* – commitment to train *100,000 engineers, technicians, and IC designers by 2030* across ASEAN universities.

3.  *ASEAN Green Chip Investment Corridor* – streamlined, sustainable, and fast-tracked investments for semiconductor projects within ASEAN.

ONE ASEAN, ONE FUTURE

As one delegate put it: “When one ASEAN nation designs, another fabricates, another tests, another packages. No country can do it alone. But together, we are unbreakable.”

ASEF 2026 runs from *October 26-28, 2026 at SMX MOA*. It is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat, SEIPI (Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc.), and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

*For media accreditation and program: http://www.asef2026.ph*

*Contact: ASEF Secretariat – media@asef2026.ph*

*#ASEF2026 #ONEASEANONESemiconductorFuture #ResilientAndSustainable*

#TopNewsAsia #NBS #MagazineSigning #RisingTigers #MrFreeze #IceKing

 

*2026 PSPA International Conference Concludes at University of Makati*

 

*Theme: "Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State"*

*University of Makati, Makati City — October 23, 2026*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA), in partnership with the University of Makati (UMak), successfully concludes the *2026 PSPA International Conference* today, October 23, 2026, at the University of Makati, City of Makati.

Held from October 21 to 23, 2026, the international conference convened scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, graduate students, and development partners from across the Philippines and abroad under the theme *"Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State."*

The conference comes at a critical time when governments across the globe face increasing public demands for transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and institutional resilience. Anchored on this reality, the three-day conference critically examined the complex relationship between public trust, corruption, political patronage, institutional reform, and democratic governance.

*RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES*

According to PSPA, while public administration has traditionally focused on improving efficiency and service delivery, contemporary governance challenges require moving beyond administrative dysfunction toward ethical, innovative, participatory, and citizen-centered governance.

The conference aims to:

1.  Foster interdisciplinary dialogue on administrative reforms;

2.  Generate evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen public institutions; and

3.  Showcase innovative practices in public governance in the Philippines and internationally.

*CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS*

The October 23 culmination features:

- International Keynote and Plenary Sessions with renowned experts in public administration and governance;

- Parallel Paper Presentation Sessions covering public administration, political science, economics, law, public policy, management, sociology, development studies, governance, information technology, and environmental studies;

- High-Level Policy Dialogue with Government Leaders;

- Public Administration Innovation Showcase featuring outstanding LGU and agency practices;

- Awarding of Best Paper and Best Presenter Awards; and

- Closing Ceremony and Presentation of Conference Resolutions.

Researchers and practitioners from various disciplines were invited to submit original research papers. Selected papers will be considered for publication in *UNIVERSITAS – The Official Journal of the University of Makati.*

*STATEMENT FROM ORGANIZERS*

"The administrative state is at a crossroads. This conference is not just about diagnosing gift, grift, and graft — it is about reclaiming public institutions so that they serve the people with integrity and accountability. Through this partnership with UMak, we strengthen the bridge between theory and practice in Philippine public administration," PSPA said in a statement.

The University of Makati, through its College of Governance and Public Policy, reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a center for governance innovation and ethical leadership development in the country.

*ABOUT PSPA*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA) is the premier professional organization of public administration scholars and practitioners in the Philippines, dedicated to advancing the study and practice of public administration toward good governance and national development.

For media inquiries, paper submissions, and publication details, please visit http://journals.umak.edu.ph or contact the PSPA Secretariat and the University of Makati Office of the University President.

*Contact:*

PSPA 2026 International Conference Secretariat

University of Makati (UMak)

J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Makati City, Philippines

Email: pspagovernance@gmail.com

Website: http://journals.umak.edu.ph

Philippine Information Agency–NCR, Led by Emver Cortez, Supports Rising Tigers Magazine’s Outstanding LGU Awards 2026

Recognizing Local Leadership, Public Service, and Community Progress

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Information Agency–National Capital Region (PIA-NCR), headed by Regional Director Emver Cortez, supports Rising Tigers Magazine’s Outstanding Local Government Units (LGU) Awards 2026, an initiative recognizing local government leaders and institutions for their contributions to public service, good governance, and community development.

Scheduled for November 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, the awards will bring together local government officials and leaders whose programs and initiatives demonstrate meaningful contributions to their respective communities.

The initiative highlights the importance of recognizing effective local governance and making public service achievements more visible to the Filipino public. Through responsible information dissemination and media collaboration, government communication agencies and media organizations can help ensure that communities learn about programs, innovations, and development initiatives that improve people’s lives.

Under Cortez’s leadership, PIA-NCR’s support highlights the role of public information in promoting awareness of government programs and strengthening communication between public institutions and citizens.

Rising Tigers Magazine has organized the Outstanding LGU Awards to recognize achievements in various areas of local governance, including public service, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, health, education, tourism, agriculture, economic development, disaster resilience, peace and public safety.

The program features 30 award categories covering city, municipal, provincial, and individual leadership achievements. These include Outstanding Local Governance Award, Innovative LGU of the Year, Good Governance Excellence Award, Smart LGU Award, Sustainable LGU Award, Outstanding City of the Year, Outstanding Municipality of the Year, Outstanding Province of the Year, and Outstanding Governor of the Year.

The awards are intended to highlight documented accomplishments and initiatives that demonstrate effective administration, responsive public services, and measurable contributions to community progress.

Beyond Recognition: Documenting Public Service

Beyond the awarding ceremony, Rising Tigers Magazine will feature the awardees in its December 2026 issue. The special publication will provide a platform for sharing their programs, projects, and leadership stories with a broader audience.

The issue is scheduled for distribution through National Book Store, Fully Booked, and selected Shell, Caltex, and Total locations, extending the reach of stories about local governance and public service.

For Rising Tigers Magazine, recognizing local government leaders is also an opportunity to document the work happening beyond the headlines, from community-based programs and infrastructure development to initiatives that support livelihoods, improve public services, and expand opportunities for residents.

The collaboration with PIA-NCR reinforces the importance of public information in helping citizens understand government initiatives and appreciate the work of institutions serving their communities.

As the November 25 ceremony approaches, the Outstanding LGU Awards 2026 aims to provide a platform for recognizing local leadership, sharing effective practices, and inspiring other local governments to pursue responsive, transparent, and people-centered governance.

Through the initiative, Rising Tigers Magazine continues its commitment to recognizing leadership, documenting progress, and inspiring the next generation of public servants and community leaders.

RISING TIGERS MAGAZINE

Recognizing Leadership. Documenting Progress. Inspiring the Next Generation.

For inquiries:

Email: president@rising-tigers.asia

Contact: +63 977 897 8877

Website: Rising-Tigers.Asia

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗦!

We’re excited to 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 First Gen Corporation 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 as the 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 of the 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

From 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼, 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 to 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, First Gen continues to be part of the evolving energy landscape—supporting solutions that help move the Philippines toward a more sustainable energy future.

As we bring the energy community together once again, we’re thrilled to have 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀, reaffirming its support for this year’s conference through its expertise and industry insights.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 💚

We’re ready to 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 #𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲—with more conversations, connections, and ideas for the future of energy.

📅 October 28–29, 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday)

📍 City of Dreams Manila

We are now accepting:

 🔹 Speakers

 🔹 Sponsors

 🔹 Exhibitors

 🔹 Delegates & Industry Partners

Learn more: www.prece-vents.ph

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact:

Pau Buenaventura

Jenny Dela Cruz

 📞 (0968) 138 0318

 📩 renewableenergyconference@e-vents.ph

 📩 marketing@e-vents.ph

⚡ 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

𝗘𝗺𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.

#FirstGenCorporation  #EnergySponsor  #RenewableEnergy  #CleanEnergy  #EnergyEfficiency  #Geothermal  #Hydropower  #SolarEnergy  #WindEnergy  #E-vents #4thPRECE

GLENDA V. HUFANO NAMED WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS INDONESIA 2026

Filipina entrepreneur and philanthropist mo recognized alongside distinguished leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia

BSD, Greater Jakarta, Indonesia — Filipino entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano was honored with the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, recognizing her contributions to entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, and community development.

A Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District and elected Vice Chair of ASPAC for 2026–2027, Hufano has built her leadership journey around a commitment to children, education, and underserved communities. Her recognition at the international awards ceremony highlights the growing role of Filipino women leaders in advancing civic engagement and social impact across Asia.

During her term as Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District Governor for 2023–2024, Hufano introduced the theme “Light Up Kiwanis,” encouraging members to translate service into meaningful community action. Her initiatives included programs supporting children’s welfare, education, nutrition, disaster preparedness, and youth development.

She was subsequently recognized as a Distinguished District Governor at the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh. Her Rice sParK initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute, also promotes agricultural awareness among young people and highlights the importance of food security and Filipino farmers.

Beyond her civic work, Hufano was included in THE LIST of Leading Women Magazine 2026, further recognizing her contributions as a Filipino woman leader.

Her Woman of Substance award in Indonesia underscores the importance of leadership that extends beyond business achievements to include philanthropy, volunteerism, and opportunities for future generations. Hufano has also expressed plans to extend her philanthropic initiatives to Indonesia, creating potential avenues for cross-border cooperation in community service.

Asia Leaders Awards: Building Bridges Between the Philippines and Indonesia

Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards recognizes business leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose work contributes to economic development, innovation, and social progress.

The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards.

Established in Manila in 2018, the awards program seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a business hub in Asia while creating opportunities for partnerships among leaders and organizations throughout the region.

“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said, emphasizing the awards’ role in connecting countries, industries, and people.

Distinguished Philippine Awardees

Alongside Hufano, several Filipino leaders were recognized for their respective contributions to public service, business, and industry.

* Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza — Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines, recognizing his leadership as Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

* Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia — Electoral Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership in election administration as Chairman of the Commission on Elections.

* Manjit T. Singh Reandi — Man of Influence Award, recognizing his leadership as President of Camp John Hay.

* Michael “Mikee” Romero — Businessman of the Year – Philippines, honoring his contributions to business and entrepreneurship.

* HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho — Innovative Company of the Year Award, recognizing innovation in the energy sector.

Their recognitions reflect the diversity of leadership represented by the Philippine delegation, spanning government, electoral administration, business, hospitality, and energy.

Indonesian Leaders and Companies Also Recognized

The ceremony likewise honored prominent Indonesian leaders and companies for their contributions to trade, enterprise, and consumer industries.

H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award for his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.

In the corporate category, Cimory Group received the Fast Moving Company of the Year Award, recognizing its growth in the food and beverage industry.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind Alfamart, was named Company of the Year.