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Metro Manila, Philippines – San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), developer of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA), said that its airport development in Bulacan is being built with long term flood mitigation measures, designed to protect both the airport and surrounding communities from long-existing flooding risks in the province’s low-lying coastal areas.   SMAI pushed back against claims circulating online linking the airport to recent flooding following weeks of heavy rains. The company said the claims have not been accompanied by hydrological data, technical analysis, or any identified expert source establishing such a connection. “NMIA did not cause Bulacan's flooding. This is a problem the province has had to contend with for many generations. Our responsibility is to make sure the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Building on a 2025 edition that generated $53.4 million (roughly ₱3.3 billion) in business opportunities and drew over 10,000 buyers, Taiwan Expo returns to the SMX Convention Center Manila on Sept. 17 to 19. With more than 125 Taiwanese exhibitors across technology, sustainability, agriculture, healthcare, and lifestyle, the participants will exhibit under a “National Team” banner, organized by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and implemented by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). “Fifty-three million dollars in business opportunities showed us how much appetite there is in this market,” said James Huang, chairman of TAITRA. “This year we want to build on that through joint ventures, licensing, and local…

Metro Manila, Philippines – SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half, expanding 8 percent to ₱41.8 billion from ₱38.6 billion, driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, along with steady foot traffic.  Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million.   “Our growth reflects the enduring trust of our tenants and shoppers. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, they continue to find value in the variety of our offerings and the strong sense of community in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This gives us confidence to keep investing…

Metro Manila, Philippines – California-based public safety technology company NGA 911 LLC has been awarded the prestigious Community Impact and Service Award by the International Asian American Business Expo (IAABE) in California for bringing a world-class emergency response system to the Philippines. Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) is a global leader in emergency communications technology that develops systems to connect people in their most critical moments with police, fire, and emergency medical responders. The provider of advanced, cloud-based next-generation emergency communications and public safety solutions modernizes traditional dispatch infrastructure by using IP-based systems to reliably transmit voice, text, and video during critical incidents. The award was presented to NGA 911 at the IAABE Legacy Gala at the Torrance Marriott…

Metro Manila, Philippines – In the wake of heavy southwest monsoon rains (Habagat), Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and its corporate social responsibility arm, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) together with the local government partners, mobilized rapid disaster response operations across different communities in Bulacan and Cavite. With severe flooding and high tides disrupting their daily lives and rendering roads impassable, families find it difficult to leave their homes and secure basic necessities. Through OMF and its partners in disaster response such as Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), Meralco business centers, Meralco’s animal welfare initiative CATropa, and local governments, the initiative reached 2,500 affected families across the municipalities of San Miguel, Balagtas, Calumpit, and Hagonoy in Bulacan, as well as…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Film Concerts PH has announced Janella Salvador and Gian Magdangal as the guest vocalists for “Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert,” happening Oct. 3-4, at The Theatre at Solaire. Salvador and Magdangal will perform the iconic songs of Moana and Maui live alongside the 78-member Filharmonika Orchestra, under the baton of Gerard Salonga, as the animated film plays in full on the big screen. Salvador takes on the role of Moana, the courageous young wayfinder who ventures beyond the reef to restore the Heart of Te Fiti, while Magdangal performs as Maui, the mighty demigod who joins her on her journey across the ocean. The concert will feature the film’s acclaimed score and soundtrack performed live by the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – BDO Pay was recognized as Best Digital Wallet in the Philippines at The Asian Banker Philippine Awards 2026, highlighting its role in making everyday payments easier for customers. As more Filipinos turn to digital payments for daily purchases, sending money, and keeping track of spending, having a payment app that offers all these can make managing money simpler and more convenient. With BDO Pay, users can access their BDO accounts and cards in one app — no need to cash in — making it faster to pay in stores, transfer funds, pay bills, and check account balances without switching between different platforms. Beyond payments, BDO Pay also gives users access to rewards and offers that can…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Major rivers cleaned and maintained by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) continued to carry large volumes of stormwater during sustained rains over the past two weeks, helping mitigate flooding in surrounding areas.  SMC cleanup teams reported no major incidents of river overflow in most areas covered by the program, except along portions of the San Juan River on August 17, when exceptionally heavy rainfall pushed water levels beyond critical levels. SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said rivers under the company’s long-running Better Rivers PH initiative, now aligned with the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha program, were better able to handle higher volumes of rainwater because of increased carrying capacity and improved flow. Since 2020, SMC has removed accumulated silt, waste and other…

Metro Manila, Philippines - San Miguel Corporation (SMC) posted consolidated core net income of P54.2 billion in the first half of 2026, up 48% from a year earlier, as its underlying businesses remained resilient despite volatile global markets, higher costs and cautious consumer spending.  Consolidated revenues rose 34% to P964.1 billion, driven by higher volumes and prices in its Fuel and Oil business, stronger contributions from Power, and continued growth in Food. Operating income increased 17% to P102.3 billion. Reported consolidated net income was 44% lower at P37.7 billion, reflecting foreign exchange effects and other non-core items. Last year’s result also benefited from a P21.9 billion gain from the Chromite transaction which involved the de-consolidation of certain power assets. “Our…

Metro Manila, Philippines - LANDBANK honored outstanding clients and institutional partners during its 2026 Gawad TANYAG (Tanging Yaman at Galing) Awards, on Aug. 7 as part of the bank’s 63rd anniversary celebration. The ceremony recognized exemplary farmers and fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), and microfinance institutions (MFIs) for their contributions to community development and inclusive growth. Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chair Frederick D. Go underscored the crucial role of the awardees in national development. "Sa loob ng mahigit anim na dekada, kayo ay naging mahalagang katuwang ng LANDBANK sa pagsusulong ng pambansang kaunlaran. Kasama ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, kooperatiba, MSMEs, at mga institusyong pampinansyal, patuloy ninyong pinalalawak ang mga oportunidad…