PH honored to be first Southeast Asian country to host International Day for Universal Access to Information

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formalized its partnership with e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines on Wednesday to help Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their market reach and strengthen competitiveness through the digital platform.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 24, 2025, at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Under the MoU, DOST and Lazada will collaborate in several key areas.

These include onboarding DOST-assisted MSMEs to Lazada’s platform, providing them access to a wider consumer base through the Lazada Marketplace and LazMall, and leveraging Lazada’s logistics, marketing, and payment systems.

The partnership also seeks to integrate DOST’s oneSTORE initiative with Lazada, further boosting the digital presence of the DOST assisted products.

To ensure long-term growth, MSMEs will undergo training through Lazada University (LAZ-U), with modules on digital marketing, supply chain management, customer engagement, and online selling.

DOST and Lazada will also co-develop targeted marketing campaigns and promote innovation and digital transformation, aligning with DOST’s mandate to advance science, technology, and innovation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“Lazada’s partnership with the government is patriotic at its core. Your ability to reach millions makes you a powerful ally in promoting science, technology, and innovation, which are key drivers of national progress. This collaboration is especially significant because MSMEs make up more than 99% of businesses in the Philippines and provide over 60% of employment,” shared DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Solidum added that the partnership marks a milestone in the country’s growing innovation ecosystem, with the Philippines now ranking 3rd among lower-middle-income economies and proving itself a consistent regional performer. Through Lazada, DOST envisions not just a selling platform but a complete ecosystem that empowers MSMEs with logistics, training, digital tools, and access to wider markets.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted that the MoU represents a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing MSMEs’ market access, operational capacity, and digital capabilities—factors essential in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

“It is gratifying to see how that early vision has evolved and now finds a significantly enhanced platform through Lazada’s expansive reach. The synergy between DOST’s programs and Lazada’s digital marketplace opens unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs, especially those enterprises assisted by DOST, to access a wider market,” Usec. Mabborang said.

Meanwhile, John Kenneth Estiller, representing Lazada CEO Carlos Barrera, emphasized that the collaboration is designed to expand MSMEs’ market reach while improving operational capacity and competitiveness both locally and globally.

He added that MSMEs will be supported in their growth journey, helping them scale from small and medium enterprises into larger businesses.

This partnership is among the DOST initiatives aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. (by Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)

The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), under the leadership of Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, with Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao serving as the project lead, is preparing to bring the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (Project SARAi) closer to the farming communities of the Ilocos Region. While the establishment of the SARAi Regional Hub in Region 1 is still underway, the active participation of its technical team in recent trainings and workshops marks a crucial first step toward building the foundation for smart, data-driven agriculture in the area.

Project SARAi, which began in 2013 through the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) with support from DOST-PCAARRD, harnesses remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), crop models, and weather-based advisories to provide farmers and local governments with actionable information for resource management and climate adaptation. Now entering its expansion phase, SARAi is working closely with DOST regional offices to train personnel, transfer technologies, and eventually establish functional regional hubs that will serve as platforms for localized agricultural innovation.

As part of this national rollout, SARAi Team One of DOST Region 1 composed of Engr. Dana Bliezelle V. Hernaez (Co-Lead), Engr. Novilyne O. Obfan (Lead Researcher and GIS Expert), Ms. Jeisel O. Labatete (Crop Expert), Mr. Christian Dominic I. Casimiro (Capacity Development Lead), and Ms. Miriam A. Oliva (GIS Support) joined a series of trainings to deepen their technical expertise. The online component, held via Zoom on September 2–4, 2025, introduced the Community-Level SARAi-Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS) and provided orientation on GIS tools, including digitizing agricultural land and applying geospatial analysis for crop monitoring.

The sessions were followed by a hands-on training at DOST-PCAARRD in Los Baños, Laguna on September 9–10, 2025, where the Region 1 team practiced using Google Earth Engine for time-series data preparation, running scripts to compute the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for crops, and managing Automatic Weather Station (AWS) data. They also gained practical skills in AWS installation, maintenance, and weather data visualization using the Weatherlink platform. A content management system under the SARAi Knowledge Portal was likewise introduced to streamline data and information sharing once the regional hubs are in place.

In preparation for hub establishment, DOST Region 1 also took part in the SARAi inception meeting on September 8, 2025 at PCAARRD, which gathered representatives from across the country to align project objectives, set deliverables, and strengthen collaboration between the Central Hub and the regional offices. The meeting highlighted the importance of tailoring SARAi technologies to local contexts while laying the groundwork for their integration into farming systems nationwide.

For Region 1, these trainings and consultations are more than just capacity-building, they are investments in the region’s agricultural future. With the leadership of Dr. Tabaog and ARD Libunao, and the commitment of its technical team, DOST Region 1 is positioning itself to play a central role in the eventual rollout of the SARAi Regional Hub. Once established, the hub will provide farmers and local governments with access to timely, science-based tools that can help boost yields, reduce risks, and make agriculture in the Ilocos region more resilient to climate change. ( Christian Dominic I. Casimiro)

The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to the right to information as it hosts the Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025, with the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”

“The Philippines is honored and proud to host this year’s conference, especially as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designation of September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information,” Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said during the opening ceremony at the Hilton Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

“As the first country in Southeast Asia to host the IDUAI, this celebration is a meaningful recognition of our continuing commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16.10: ensuring public access to information as a fundamental human right,” Gomez said in his speech.

Co-hosted by the Philippine government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the two-day conference gathered government decision-makers, international experts, Information commissioners, journalists and civil society leaders from more than 30 countries.

The delegates are expected to discuss how policies that guarantee access to environmental information strengthen regional cooperation, disaster preparedness, and climate action, and advance sustainable development and environmental justice.

Gomez said the Philippines affirms its commitment to the right to information through Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes the people’s right to Information on matters of public concern.

This constitutional right was operationalized by Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016, which established the Freedom of Information (FOI) Program across the Executive Branch.

“Today, under the vision of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign—which, for our international guests, translates to New Philippines—we envision a government that is not only for the people but also with the people,” Gomez said.

“A government that listens, informs, and empowers its citizens, because only with an informed citizenry can we build a truly democratic nation.”

Gomez said over the past nine years, the PCO has worked to institutionalize the FOI Program through the FOI Program Management Office.

This has involved maintaining the eFOI portal, expanding localization efforts, and launching nationwide capacity-building programs, as well as countering misinformation and disinformation through credible and accessible public data, the PCO Acting Secretary said.

“We continue to empower our local governments to become FOI-ready, bringing FOI closer to every Filipino,” Gomez said. | PND

CLARK, PAMPANGA – Mekeni Food Corporation made a strong statement on the first-ever One Pampanga Food and Beverage Expo on Sept 13-14 with the launch of its newest offerings, while giving visitors a glimpse of what’s ahead as it gears up for its 40th anniversary in 2026.

New Sausage Creations

At the Mekeni booth, the largest at the expo, guests were treated to first tastes of its newest sausage creations.

The 4 Cheese Sausage, bursting with cheddar, gouda, cream cheese, and mozzarella, was a crowd favorite among cheese lovers. The Breakfast Sausage, though small in size, delivered big flavors perfect for quick and hearty meals. For those with a more refined palate, the Country Style Sausage, infused with herbs and crafted in gourmet style, offered a premium experience.

These products reflect Mekeni’s commitment to creating flavors that appeal to both Filipino and international consumers.

Mekeni Festive Christmas Hams on Display

The spotlight also shone on Mekeni’s well-loved Christmas Ham collection, a staple in Filipino celebrations for decades.

The line featured the Gold Premium Ham, smoky and made from the choicest pork cuts; the Deli Ham, known for its traditional sweet-savory flavor; and the Premium Chicken Ham, a healthier alternative for health-conscious families. Adding festive flair were the Jamon de Bola, glazed with pineapple sauce, and the Pear-shaped Ham, a lean and boneless option.

Completing the line were the Brick Ham, positioned as special yet affordable, and the Christmas Ham, Mekeni’s most budget-friendly but still flavorful offering. This wide selection ensures that every household can bring home a taste of the holidays, no matter their budget.

Street Flavors: A New Offering

Adding to the excitement, Mekeni launched Street Flavors, a cart concept featuring the company’s premium take on Filipino street food staples such as fish balls, squid balls, and kikiam.

Beyond being a new way to enjoy well-loved favorites, Street Flavors is also open for booking at events, offering a fun and high-quality food experience for gatherings and celebrations.

At the same time, it serves as a business opportunity for those interested in operating their own events cart business, making it an accessible entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs.

A Sneak Peek of 40 Years

Visitors were also invited to a sneak peek of Mekeni’s 40th anniversary campaign through the showcase of its 40th year logo and an AI-powered photobooth featuring countries where Mekeni products are now available.

These experiences underscored Mekeni’s expanding global presence and its mission to share Kapampangan flavors with the world.

“As we approach our 40th year, we want to give our customers a taste of what’s next,” said Garcia.

 “Our newest products, our ventures like Street Flavors, and our continued expansion abroad are all part of the story we want to tell, because truly, May Kwento sa Bawat Timpla”, he added.

With its newest offerings and forward-looking initiatives, Mekeni reaffirmed its position not only as a pillar of Kapampangan cuisine but also as a Filipino brand with a global vision.

Supporting OPFBEX

As a Kapampangan company that has grown into a globally recognized brand, Mekeni’s participation in the inaugural expo is both symbolic and purposeful.

While the company continues to expand its presence in international markets, it also views the event as an opportunity to reaffirm its identity as a symbol of Kapampangan pride and to share its story with aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses.

“This expo is close to our hearts because it allows us to give back by showing others that it is possible to grow from humble beginnings and make an impact globally,” said Mekeni President Pruds Garcia. “We hope our story inspires others to pursue their dreams with passion, values, and resilience.”

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) has sent a letter to Energy China on Oct. 1, 2025, requesting its withdrawal from building coal projects, in light of its reported involvement in the Toledo and Atimonan coal-fired power plants.

On Sept. 22, 2025, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) President Emmanuel Rubio said they have identified a Chinese engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the proposed 73-megawatt (MW) coal plant in Toledo, Cebu. Rubio also revealed that three Chinese EPCs had bid for the contract of the 1200-MW Atimonan coal project.

“In 2021, we lauded President Xi Jinping’s announcement at the United Nations General Assembly that China will no longer build new overseas coal-fired power projects. This aligns with China’s pledge to peak carbon emissions before 2030. However, continued involvement in coal expansion abroad undermines this commitment. We would like to share the view that China is a global leader in renewable energy. That’s why we want to discuss the matter with Energy China and other Chinese companies contracted to build energy projects in the Philippines,” said Ian Rivera, PMCJ national coordinator.

Communities in Atimonan in Quezon and Toledo City in Cebu have long opposed coal and other fossil fuels, as have different areas in the country that suffer from the negative health and livelihood impacts of these dirty projects.

“In 2017, Meralco tapped the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland as its operations and maintenance partner. However, it withdrew upon learning of the strong negative community reaction to the project. Moreover, the coal plant was never built since its power supply agreement was cancelled due to its anomalous nature, and no bank was willing to finance the project,” said Elle Bartolome, PMCJ senior executive officer for policy, campaigns, and communications.

PMCJ also asserts that the proposed Atimonan and Toledo coal power projects should not be exempted from the 2020 Coal Moratorium. In August 2025, PMCJ and Kabataan para sa Kalikasan ng Atimonan (KAPAKANAN) filed an opposition letter with the Department of Energy (DOE) following the issuance in July 2025 of an exemption for said proposed coal project. The

letter highlighted the lack of requisite qualifications for the project to be exempt, as it has no prior operations, no expansion record, and lacks approvals for the land agreement.

Aside from health, livelihood, and environmental impacts, Rivera also stressed that the energy industry in the country is marred by a systemic flaw – the same entities control both power distribution and generation. “MGen is a subsidiary of Meralco, one of the Philippines’ biggest distribution companies. This hikes the power rates and places the burden on electricity consumers. The call to stop the reliance on fossil fuels encapsulates this systemic problem.”

PMCJ calls on China and its companies to walk the talk, lead the transition to renewables, end coal, and support the Philippines’ transition to a coal-free nation by 2030. The group also encourages China to strengthen its legacy as the world’s largest producer, investor, and user of renewable energy.

The Provincial Government of Cavite, through the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager (OPPESM), rolled out the Cavite Career Caravan in General Mariano Alvarez on September 25, 2025, opening 7,503 job vacancies for Caviteños. A total of 277 jobseekers took part in the fair, with 35 hired on the spot (HOTS).

The event gathered 41 employers — 37 local and 4 overseas — together with nine national agencies including Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pag-ibig Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority, TESDA, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Trade and Industry, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer, which provided free legal cliniquing.

With the support of Vice Mayor Percival Cabuhat and the leadership of Ms. Rizalie Pinpin-Enero and her OPPESM team, the caravan underscored the provincial government’s drive to bring jobs, services, and opportunities closer to every Caviteño community.—R Dones (CPIO)