COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia "Hands On" at the Mock Elections for 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Polls

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) successfully conducted mock elections on July 26, 2025, in preparation for the 2025 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections. The activity took place in Marawi City and Butig in Lanao del Sur, and in Bongao and Simunul in Tawi-Tawi. Voting began at 7:00AM and closed at 10:00AM, with all Certificates of Canvass received by 11:07AM

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino, Commissioner-in-Charge of the BARMM elections, and other senior officials personally oversaw the mock voting process. Election stakeholders, including media observers, witnessed the smooth implementation of voting, transmission, and canvassing procedures.

To promote transparency, a Monitoring Center was set up at the Chairman’s Hall, Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, where interested parties could follow the proceedings in real-time.

The mock elections served as a preparatory exercise for the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections scheduled on October 13, 2025. The simulation aimed to identify areas for improvement and help ensure efficient and credible elections.

Photos | COMELEC

COMELEC with Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia Begins Voter Registration for 2025 Barangay and SK Elections

Intramuros, Manila — On August 1, 2025, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), led by Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, officially began the nationwide voter registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on December 1, 2025. 

Registration centers, including Offices of Election Officer, satellite sites, and Special Register Anywhere/Anytime Program (SRAP) locations in the National Capital Region, drew large turnouts despite it being a weekday.

COMELEC reported a favorable turnout on the first day, indicating strong public interest in participating in the electoral process. The agency projected an increase of one million new registrants during the 10-day period, with around 500,000 expected to come from youth voters aged 15 to 17. 

The registration period runs from August 1 to 10, 2025. The SRAP in NCR is available until August 7 at designated locations, including the COMELEC Main Office’s Chairman’s Hall at Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros.

COMELEC thanked early registrants and encouraged others to follow suit. The commission reminded the public: “Magparehistro para makaboto — sa 2025 Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, KAISA KA!”

Photos | COMELEC

COMELEC headed by Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia Holds Risk Management Workshop for 2025 Barangay, SK Elections

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a three-day Risk Management Capacity Training and Workshop from July 16 to 18, 2025, at The Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia and Commissioner Rey E. Bulay led the activity, which aimed to boost internal readiness for the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The workshop gathered officials and members from various departments and working committees.

Commissioner Rey E. Bulay, who leads the 2025 BSKE, opened the event by stressing the importance of readiness regardless of whether the elections proceed as scheduled. COMELEC Chair George Erwin M. Garcia added, “Lahat ng mga ginagawa natin ay parte ng paghahanda sa major event. Kung handa ka, matuloy man ang eleksyon [o hindi], wala tayong problema.”

Participants revisited Resolution No. 10924, the codified guidelines for the BSKE, and reviewed the updated election timeline. The sessions included scenario planning and discussions on risks such as logistical issues, security concerns, disinformation, and natural disasters. Experts from the Department of Science and Technology and the Nutrition Research Institute contributed to sessions on risk assessment and strategy development.

The workshop supported COMELEC’s commitment to proactive and transparent election management. It reinforced institutional readiness and promoted collaboration to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections.

Photos | COMELEC

Press Conference Phil Power and Energy Expo & Phil Construction and Ceramics Expo

 

The press conference of Philippine Power and Energy Exposition together with The Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo at Smx Convention Centre, Manila Philippines on July  25, 2025. It is an International exhibition for Building, Construction, Ceramics Machinery, Power, Energy, Solar and EV Sector which will take place on July 29 to 31, 2025 at Smx Moa.

The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Johnny Chotrani,

 Co-Chairman (Philippines), ASEAN India Economic Council and Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo. Who acted as the moderator of the programme.

The panelists includes:

Ms. Maria Teresa "Tetchi" Cruz Capellan, Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association and Chairperson, Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance and President and CEO, SUNASIA ENERGY INC.

 Architech Felino "Jun" Palafox Jr., Palafox and  Associates. A renowned and well respected in his chosen field world wide.

Mr. Carmelo Jimson Uranza, Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers

Dr. Luis Ramon V.  Rodriguez, MD, MDM, President, Karl Group Holding Corp and Philippine Medical Depot and Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo.

Architech Palafox answered a question raised by one of the media present. Is there a solution for the flooding  in Metro Manila? And sad to say his response was that Architect in fact was helping our government since he was 25 years old but no government officials would take the proposal for flood free Manila.

The event will showcase an array of construction, interior products, power, and energy, bringing together leading stakeholders and service providers in the industry.

The Philippines is enhancing our green environment. Solar energy  aiming for 35% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040. With a goal of  doubling solar output by 2030 and achieve a 3.5 GW solar installation by 2026.

About 110 plus exhibitors wll join the exposition and expecting 3,000 plus attendee's for a successful turn of event 2025.

Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo 2025 plus Solar and Power Expo

 

The Philippines is fast emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising solar energy markets globally. Under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020–2040, the government has set ambitious targets—aiming to generate 35% of energy from renewables by 2030, and 50% by 2040. As part of this commitment, the country plans to double its solar output by 2030 and host the world’s largest solar installation by early 2026, featuring 3.5 GW of solar capacity and 4 GWh of battery storage.

In alignment with these goals, the Philippine Solar, Power and Energy Expo will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders across the energy ecosystem—including manufacturers, exporters, distributors, importers, contractors, engineers, and new entrants—to explore collaboration and investment opportunities. The expo expects over 110 exhibitors from India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Egypt, and other countries, with more than 3,000 professional visitors anticipated from across the ASEAN region.

Building the Future: Construction and Ceramics Expo

The Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo, running concurrently from July 29–31, 2025, is the country’s premier exhibition focused on construction, ceramic, interior, and building materials. It will bring together key players from the construction, housing, infrastructure, and ceramic sectors, offering unmatched opportunities for networking and business development. This event is poised to become a strategic gateway to the Southeast Asian business community and contribute significantly to infrastructure growth in the Philippines and the region.

Distinguished Speakers at the Press Conference:

• Mr. Johnny Chotrani – Co-Chairman (Philippines), ASEAN India Economic Council; Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo

• Ms. Maria Theresa “Tetchi” Cruz Capellan – Chairperson, Steering Committee, Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association; Chairperson, Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance; President & CEO, SunAsia Energy Inc.

• Engr. Warren Maralit – President, Power Professionals Association of the Philippines (PPAP)

• Mr. Carmelo Jimson B. Uranza – President, Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS)

• Arch. Felino “Jun” Albano Palafox, Jr. – Architect & Urban Planner; Founder, Palafox Associates

• Dr. Luis Ramon V. Rodriguez, MD, MDM – President, Karl Group Holding Corp and Philippine Medical Depot; Member, Advisory Board, Philippine Solar Power and Construction Expo

• Engr. Rene Fajilagutan – Member, Board of Directors, PHILRECA

•••

Genesis Global Exhibitions and ACE Group, with the support of the ASEAN India Economic Council, Philippine India Business Council, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is pleased to announce the upcoming Philippine Solar, Power and Energy Expo, co-located with the Philippine Construction and Ceramics Expo, scheduled to take place from July 29–31, 2025, at Function Room 5, SMX Convention Centre, Manila, Philippines.

These exhibitions are proudly supported by the Philippines Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA), Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS), PHILRECA, Power Professionals Association of the Philippines (PPAP), among others, with additional associations expected to join.

*Register here for free admission, see you!

The Manila Tech Summit 2025: Forging a New Global Order

 

The Fintech Alliance PH presents The Manila Tech Summit 2025 with Theme : Forging a New Global Order 

This summit isn’t just about discussing the problems—it’s about exploring actionable solutions, strategic investments, and forward-thinking strategies to not only survive, but thrive in this complex, ever-evolving landscape. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation about some of the most urgent and relevant issues shaping our world today:

Geopolitical Fragmentation: Rising nationalism and multipolar power struggles threaten cooperation on critical issues such as global security, trade, and environmental sustainability.

Technological Disruption: AI, quantum computing, and digital currency can empower innovation but also amplify inequality, cyber threats, and loss of privacy.

Climate Crisis: The escalating impacts of climate change risk deepening resource conflicts and economic instability, especially for vulnerable nations

Philippines to Host 36th International Biology Olympiad at Ateneo de Manila University

 

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippines is proud to welcome the world’s brightest young biologists to the 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2025), to be held from July 20 to 27, 2025, at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.

Organized by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University, this prestigious global competition will gather top secondary school biology students from over 78 countries for a week-long showcase of scientific excellence, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Event Highlights

Opening Ceremony: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Practical Exams: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Theoretical Exams: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Closing & Awards Ceremony: Sunday, July 27, 2025

The competition will test participants on a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, ecology, and biosystematics, through both rigorous theoretical and hands-on laboratory exams. The top-performing students will be awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, recognizing their mastery and innovative thinking in the field of biology.

"We are deeply honored to host IBO 2025," said Dr. Josette Biyo, Director of DOST-SEI. "This is not only a celebration of scientific talent but also a unique opportunity to promote international friendship and the importance of biological sciences in addressing global challenges."

This marks a significant moment for the Philippines as it strengthens its role in the global science education community. Ateneo de Manila University, a premier institution known for its commitment to research and innovation, will serve as an ideal venue for the week’s academic and cultural activities.

For more information, visit  here www.ibo2025.org.

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