Palawan Group of Companies and JCI Senate Philippines at the 2025 Kasambahay Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards 2025. — ALMIRA S. MARTINEZ
The Palawan Group of Companies said that it will expand the services of its e-wallet and digital payment application, PalawanPay, to cater to the needs of Filipino domestic workers and promote financial inclusion.
“Our plan is to really expand our services for PalawanPay,” Palawan Group of Companies Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan told reporters in an interview on Monday.
“Eventually, in our PalawanPay, we’ll form a community of services that is really applicable to our house helpers,” he added.
This initiative aligns with the group’s mission to champion house helpers, as mentioned in its annual Kasambahay Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards, where they honor stories of Filipino helpers from across the globe.
“The proof is when you talk to a lot of helpers, whether here in Metro Manila or other parts of the country, a lot of them are loyal customers of Palawan,” Palawan Group of Companies President and Chief Executive Officer Karlo M. Castro said in an interview.
House helpers are among the group’s valued customers, according to Mr. Castro. “The kasambahays (housekeepers) are really an important and significant customer segment for the Palawan Group.”
“That segment and similar segments are part of the mission of Palawan, which is to really connect people and businesses towards financial success,” he added.
Data from the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in the Philippines, published by the U.S Department of State, found that there are approximately two million domestic workers in the country. Of which, nearly 85% are women, aged as young as 15 years old.
Although the population of helpers in the country is notable, Mr. Kaibigan underscored that the well-being of these workers is often overlooked. “The most neglected aspect, also for housekeepers, is that they are not given the benefit of having an annual physical exam.”
To address this issue, the group offers insurance for housekeepers, specifically for annual physical examinations.
“It’s really more of an advocacy product to support our households so that they can also have a health benefit,” he added.
The group also promotes jewelry investment among domestic workers to help with their finances. “They can’t usually afford the 24K that has high grams. So, what Palawan made is one gram of gold, but the rest is silver,” the Palawan Group executive said.
“When the time comes that they need it [funds], they can use it,” he added.
Other services lined up in the group’s pipeline for domestic workers include savings accounts and lending services, Palawan Credit. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
ROME — Italian cooking, already celebrated around the world, is poised for a new accolade: formal recognition as a cultural treasure from the United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO.
A preliminary UNESCO assessment has cleared Italian cuisine to be added to UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ lists and a final decision is expected on Wednesday.
Launched in March 2023 by Italy’s agriculture and culture ministries, the bid casts Italian cuisine – from pasta and pizza to risotto and cannoli – as a social ritual that binds families and communities together.
“There is no single Italian cuisine, but a mosaic of local expressive diversities,” the government said.
From Lombardy’s ossobuco – braised veal shanks with gremolata, to Puglia’s orecchiette con cime di rapa – ear-shaped pasta with turnip greens, each region showcases Italian biodiversity and creativity, it said.
CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC FOOTPRINT Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has championed the effort, calling Italian food a symbol of “culture, identity, tradition and strength.”
Industry groups estimate UNESCO recognition could boost tourism by up to 8% in two years, adding 18 million overnight stays. Italian cuisine also connects 59 million residents with up to 85 million people of Italian descent worldwide.
Globally, the Italian food service market hit 251 billion euros ($293 billion) in 2024, or 19% of the global restaurant market, Deloitte said. But imitation products abroad cost Italy an estimated 120 billion euros annually.
CRITICISM AND DEBATE Not everyone in Italy supports the bid to join UNESCO lists, which already feature almost 800 items including Italian opera singing and truffle hunting.
Alberto Grandi, a food historian, called the UNESCO candidacy “just a marketing operation” in an interview with website Mantovauno last month.
In his 2024 book ‘La cucina italiana non esiste’ (‘Italian cuisine doesn’t exist’), Grandi argued that many dishes considered traditional, including pasta alla carbonara, are relatively modern inventions influenced by foreign cultures.
Grandi’s remarks have sparked a backlash from farmers’ association Coldiretti, which called his claims “surreal attacks on national culinary tradition.”
‘THE ART OF CARING’ For restaurateurs like Luigina Pantalone, owner of Rome’s historic Da Sabatino, a UNESCO nod from Wednesday’s meeting in India would be a source of pride.
“Authentic Italian cuisine needs to be protected,” she said, recalling childhood days washing dishes with her brothers and proudly noting that she is the fourth generation of her family to run the restaurant.
Three-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura summed it up: “Italian cuisine is an ancient, daily, sacred ritual – the art of caring and loving without saying a word.” — Reuters
BRUSSELS — This year is set to be the world’s second or third-warmest on record, potentially surpassed only by 2024’S record-breaking heat, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said on Tuesday.
The data is the latest from C3S following last month’s COP30 climate summit, where governments failed to agree to substantial new measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting strained geopolitics as the US rolls back its efforts, and some countries seek to weaken CO2-cutting measures.
This year will also likely round out the first three-year period in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, when humans began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale, C3S said in a monthly bulletin.
“These milestones are not abstract – they reflect the accelerating pace of climate change,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at C3S.
Extreme weather continued to hit regions around the globe this year. Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 200 people in the Philippines last month. Spain suffered its worst wildfires for three decades because of weather conditions that scientists confirmed were made more likely by climate change.
Last year was the planet’s hottest on record.
While natural weather patterns mean temperatures fluctuate year to year, scientists have documented a clear warming trend in global temperatures over time, and confirmed that the main cause of this warming is greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.
The last 10 years have been the 10 warmest years since records began, the World Meteorological Organization said earlier this year.
The global threshold of 1.5 Celsius is the limit of warming which countries vowed under the 2015 Paris climate agreement to try to prevent, to avoid the worst consequences of warming.
The world has not yet technically breached that target – which refers to an average global temperature of 1.5 Celsius over decades. But the UN said this year that the 1.5 Celsius goal can no longer realistically be met and urged governments to cut CO2 emissions faster, to limit overshooting the target.
C3S’s records go back to 1940, and are cross-checked with global temperature records going back to 1850. — Reuters
MGS Philippines has officially strengthened its position as a leader in next-generation home living with the launch of an expanded and upgraded smart-home collection. Long recognized for its advanced smart-lock technology, the brand is now moving beyond single-category solutions and introducing a complete ecosystem designed for modern Filipino households that value convenience, security, innovation, and elevated design.
The enhanced lineup introduces a wide range of smart-living products that upgrade essential everyday routines. These include Smart Toilets with automatic cleansing systems, Smart Dishwashers built for efficient and thorough cleaning, and a premium set of Wine Coolers and Beverage Coolers designed for curated home hosting. The collection also features Ice Makers that deliver hospitality-level ice production and AI-powered Vacuum Robots that take hands-free cleaning to a new level.
MGS further broadens its offerings with intelligent fixtures such as the Smart Sink, Smart Shower, and upgraded Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets, each engineered to merge technology with refined aesthetics. The brand’s new Bathroom Cabinet Set provides an all-in-one smart storage solution that integrates lighting and functionality. Completing the lineup are premium additions like Viona Patagonia Quartz for sophisticated interiors, and the soon-to-launch MGS Coffee Maker crafted for high-quality home brewing.
Every product category supports MGS’s long-term vision of a truly connected home. Instead of isolated devices, the brand aims to build a unified smart ecosystem where design, materials, and technology work seamlessly together. This expansion also marks MGS’s fast-growing transition toward AI-driven innovation, with future offerings expected to include even more intelligent, adaptive, and personalized features.
With this comprehensive portfolio refresh, MGS reaffirms its role as a key force in the Philippines’ smart-home evolution. The brand continues to empower Filipino households to embrace intuitive, efficient, and intelligent living through technology that elevates every part of the home.
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Coco Martin waves to Marileños as he arrives at Toyota Marilao, Bulacan, Inc.
Coco Martin meets with Marileñosfor his provincial caravan
Abante Posible Ambassador Coco Martin met with Marileños and Bulakeños at Marilao, Bulacan during the nationwide Tamaraw roadshow organized by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Toyota Marilao, Bulacan, Inc. (TMR). Marilao is Coco’s third provincial stop after Cagayan De Oro and Tacloban, where customers have been sharing their stories of Abante Posible with the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw.
Coco Martin’s experience with the Toyota Tamaraw
Coco Martin answers questions from the media.
Keeping up the energy high in the afternoon, Coco performed a song and dance number to entertain the audience. Coco then shared his experience as a proud owner of his very own Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van which he uses for his business and for his employees’ transportation.
“Ang una-unang binili ko sa kanila (sa Toyota) yung Utility Van, kasi naisip ko gamitin sa negosyo na tinayo namin. ‘Pag nag-go-grocery kami, dito lahat namin nilalagay yung grocery namin. Kapag sa bahay kinailangan yung mga tao namin ng masasakyan, napaka-komportable nila kasi air-con at maluwag,” Coco shared. (The first variant I bought (from Toyota) is the Utility Van, because I thought of using it for our business. Every time we buy groceries we load everything we bought here (in the Utility Van). At our house, if our employees need transportation, they can ride comfortably because there’s air conditioning and it’s spacious.)
The Abante Posible ambassador also shared how delightfully surprised he was with the performance of the Toyota Tamaraw and how the clutch pedal is soft and easy to drive.
“Sabi ko ang tagal ko nang nag-da-drive. Nagulat ako siguro dahil moderno na ngayon at inaayos ng inaayos ang makina. First time ko makaapak ng clutch na ganun kalambot, sabi ko ba’t napakalambot ng clutch neto at napakalakas ng power? Nagulat ako dun sa performance ng Toyota Tamaraw,” he said. (I’ve been driving for a long time. I was probably surprised because (the Tamaraw) is modern now and the engine is continuously being improved. It’s the first time that I stepped on a clutch that is so soft. I said to myself, “why is the clutch so soft and there is so much power?” I was surprised with the performance of the Toyota Tamaraw.)
Stories of Abante, Posible!
Domingo Delizo with his Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van
Domingo Delizo from Pandi Bulacan, is one of the many people in the showroom who got to meet Coco during his visit. Domingo praised the effectiveness of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw for his business, saying that his business income has tripled ever since he bought his Toyota Tamaraw. Additionally, he says that he bought the Toyota Tamaraw due to the reliability Toyota vehicles provide to their customers. This has led to his family having peace of mind when it comes to their business operations. Domingo also shared many people praise his Toyota Tamaraw, to which he encourages them to buy a unit as well, referring them to Toyota Marilao, Bulacan, Inc. for their purchase.
Estrella Maruyama with TMR Marketing Professionals
Another customer, Estrella Maruyama, shared that they bought the Toyota Tamaraw as they wanted to experience the durability and quality that it offered. Once they received their Tamaraw, she was not disappointed as she found the interior to be comfortable and their rides with their Tamaraw to be smooth and relaxing. Estrella was so satisfied with her Toyota Tamaraw, that she recommended her daughter, Catherine, purchase one as well.
“At dahil sobrang nagustuhan ko (yung Tamaraw), ni-recommend ko agad sa anak ko, kaya kumuha rin siya kaagad. Ngayon, dalawa na ang Tamaraw sa pamilya namin. Ibig sabihin, hindi lang ako ang satisfied, pati anak ko satisfied din. Sa tibay, practicality, at comfort, masasabi ko, hindi lang sasakyan ang Tamaraw, katuwang talaga siya sa negosyo at sa buhay,” she shared. (Since I really liked the Toyota Tamaraw, I immediately recommended my daughter to buy one immediately. Now, we have two Tamaraws in our family. It means it is not only me who is satisfied, but also my daughter who is satisfied as well. Because of the durability, practicality, and comfort, I can say, that the Tamaraw is not only a vehicle but a partner in business and in life.)
Toyota Tamaraw: The Filipino’s Choice
TMR President Cosco Oben and Coco Martin posing for a picture
Amid the record sales and a high preferability among MSME owners, more Filipinos are choosing to make Abante, Posible with the Toyota Tamaraw as their mobility partner. The Toyota Tamaraw has been empowering communities ever since its launch last year, becoming an important aspect in many Filipino livelihoods. Marilao is no exception to this as TMR President Cosco Oben, emphasized the immense growth and importance of the Toyota Tamaraw to Marileños and Bulakeños, not only in business but also for family use. He also expressed his gratitude to customers in Bulacan for the trust they have placed in the Toyota Tamaraw.
“The Next Gen Tamaraw is quickly becoming the mobility choice of many Marileños and Bulakeños. They see it as a practical solution for both business and family needs — reliable for their daily business operations, and dependable for bringing their loved ones where they need to be, with confidence and style. I’m truly grateful to our team and to our customers here in Bulacan for the trust they’ve given the Next Gen Tamaraw,” Oben said.
Local dealers such as Toyota Marilao Bulacan, Inc. have been an important aspect of the Tamaraw’s record sales, building a strong relationship with their local MSMEs and their owners. Dealers have been cultivating trust towards MSMEs with the Tamaraw at the forefront, leading to growth among MSMEs in the community.
Throughout the whole afternoon Coco met and gave the Marileños a day filled with joy. He entertained the audience with his performances and shared his love for the Toyota Tamaraw. The Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, a partner for progress with its reliability, customizability, and fuel-efficiency, shows the Filipino people that they can achieve Abante, Posible!
The Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw was launched in 2024 as a highly customizable utility vehicle that could respond to the needs of various entrepreneurs, especially MSMEs.
In line with the Tamaraw answering the needs of customers, TMP recently launched new AT variants and conversion units for the utility vehicle:
AT Variants
2.4 GL Utility Van DSL AT
2.4 GL Aluminum Cargo DSL AT
Additional Conversions
2.4 Ambulance DSL MT*
2.4 Telco Van DSL MT*
2.4 Patrol Car DSL MT*
2.4 Ref Van DSL MT*
*Additional Conversions are for Indent Order basis only
Additionally, some variants of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw are now available in other colors for customers to choose from. The GL Dropside will now be available in Super Red. The Tamaraw Utility Van will be available in Black 1, Greyish Blue Metallic, and Super Red. The Tamaraw Dropside DSL M/T, meanwhile, will additionally be available in Silver Metallic.
Follow Toyota Motor Philippines onFacebook,InstagramandX, and join the ToyotaPH community onViberto get the latest updates on products, services, and promos.
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InLife Board of Trustees. Front row from left: Ms. Mona Lisa B. de la Cruz, Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas, and Ms. Maria Noemi G. Azura. Back row from left: Vice-Chairman of the Board Luis C. la Ò, Mr. Luis Y. Benitez, Atty. Victor P. Lazatin, and President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua. Not in photo are Trustees Mr. Justo A. Ortiz and Ms. Marietta C. Gorrez.
How do you honor 115 years of safeguarding Filipino families? InLife did it with music, memories, and meaningful moments that reflected more than a century of service.
Held at Shangri-La The Fort, the anniversary gala became the highlight of the milestone year — an evening that blended culture, artistry, and heartfelt storytelling. Vice-Chairman Luis C. La Ó opened the night by affirming the company’s enduring mission: “InLife’s mission has always been clear: to protect Filipino families from financial hardships through life insurance. This purpose remains as vital today as it was at the very start.”
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Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas followed with an inspiring message on the legacy behind InLife and the future ahead. “We were not built in comfort. We were forged in challenge. Yet each time history pressed in, we pressed forward. What has carried InLife for 115 years: a purpose anchored in faith, and in love for country and for our people… Let us make one more promise together: to lead with conscience, to innovate with heart, to act with courage, and to build something enduring for those who will follow long after we are gone.”
A key highlight was the unveiling of Kairos: Moments that Moved Us, InLife’s commemorative book capturing defining decisions and turning points in its storied history. Executives led by President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua read excerpts from their authored chapters, offering personal perspectives on pivotal choices that shaped the company. A message from Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, who wrote the foreword, honored InLife as a cornerstone of national progress, highlighting how the company laid the foundation for the insurance industry and has long stood as a symbol of trust, stability, and innovation.
Guests were treated to outstanding performances from the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Acapellago, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, capped by a special number from InLife Dreamweaver and Brand Ambassador Sharon Cuneta. Award-winning host Rico Hizon led the program, culminating in a collective toast to 115 years of service and fortitude.
Ms. Aguas led the ceremonial toast to InLife’s 115-year legacy and future, joined by (from left) Mr. La Ó, Ayala Corporation Vice-Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Mr. Littaua.
The celebration extended beyond the ballroom with the launch of the Kairos microsite (https://kairos.inlife.com.ph/) and the photo exhibit Kairos: The Visual Narratives featuring images taken by President Littaua. These were auctioned to InLife employees and executives with the proceeds donated to the InLife Foundation. The exhibit will run until Dec. 15 at InLife Treasures, the company’s art gallery located at its Alabang Headquarters.
Good Going Round
Earlier that day, InLife delighted policyholders and visitors nationwide through its Good Going Round anniversary promo — giving out free Dunkin’ donuts in its offices and in UnionBank branches. More than a treat, each donut symbolized the goodness InLife has passed on for generations and continues to share today. The simple gesture sparked warm interactions, encouraged digital engagement, and brought the anniversary spirit to communities across the country.
As InLife turns the page to its next chapter, the promise remains: to continue giving Filipinos A Lifetime for Good.
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In the photo from left to right: Joseph Ruan, COO of WeFund Lending Corp. | JuanHand; Tim Li, CEO of FinVolution Group; Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, president and CEO of WeFund Lending Corp. | JuanHand; Shaun Sakhrani, head of Structured Banking Southeast Asia, HSBC Philippines / HSBC Singapore; and Xiaodong Sun, head of International Business of FinVolution Group
WeFund Lending Corp., operator of the JuanHand online lending application, has secured a multimillion-peso credit facility with HSBC in the Philippines. The proceeds will be deployed to expand financial access for underserved yet creditworthy Filipinos.
The credit facility aims to strengthen financial inclusion by providing immediate and sustainable access to financing for individuals with limited or no credit history. This initiative underscores WeFund’s commitment to advancing responsible lending and promoting long-term financial empowerment across the country.
WeFund, operator of the JuanHand lending platform, has disbursed over P85 billion in loans to more than 20 million registered users. Recognized as one of the Philippines’ leading fintech cash lending apps, JuanHand provides fast and reliable access to funds, approving and disbursing loans in under five minutes. With its strong focus on fair interest rates, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric service, JuanHand continues to lead the way in offering trusted, technology-driven financial solutions to mainstream Filipinos.
According to Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, president and CEO of WeFund Lending Corp. | JuanHand, “This credit facility will enable us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that millions of Filipinos, particularly those historically underserved, can gain access to responsible credit. Empowering individuals through financial inclusion is at the core of what we do, and this collaboration marks a meaningful step toward that goal.”
The credit facility represents a significant milestone in bridging traditional banking and fintech collaboration, demonstrating how collaboration between established financial institutions and agile digital lenders can create scalable and sustainable solutions for inclusive economic growth.
About WeFund | JuanHand
WeFund Lending Corp. operates the JuanHand mobile lending platform, one of the Philippines’ most trusted fintech apps. To date, JuanHand has extended more than P85 billion in loans to over 20 million Filipinos. The platform’s mission is to empower underserved communities by providing fast, fair, and accessible credit, supported by robust technology and strong compliance standards.
Download the JuanHand app today via the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, or visit www.juanhand.com.
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DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, is set to take the stage at the upcoming Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia Philippines, a highly anticipated gathering of international gaming industry leaders and professionals, happening on Dec. 10 to 11 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
DigiPlus will be represented on the panel “Innovations in Responsible Gaming and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” by Erick Su, head of ArenaPlus, the company’s flagship sportsbook platform. The discussion will take place on Day 2 of the conference, Thursday, Dec. 11, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
During the panel, DigiPlus will share insights on responsible gaming practices, including the company’s innovations in player protection and CSR activities that create meaningful impact for players and communities.
“As the pioneer and industry leader in Philippine online gaming and digital entertainment, DigiPlus is proud to be at the forefront of global industry dialogue at G2E Asia,” said Mr. Su. “Our participation will showcase how we champion responsible gaming and sustainable growth, as DigiPlus continues to evolve from a local to a global entertainment brand.”
Together with its flagship brands BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, DigiPlus also serves as the Exclusive Conference Track Sponsor of G2E Asia @ the Philippines 2025: Connecting People and Innovations for the Philippine Gaming Market.
Recognized as a major gaming industry trade show and conference, G2E Asia is part of the wider Global Gaming Expo (G2E) series, which includes flagship events such as G2E Las Vegas and G2E Macau.
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WASHINGTON — Scientists have observed the largest-known rotating structure in the cosmos – a gargantuan thread-like assemblage of hundreds of galaxies, gas and dark matter that makes up a filament in the macrostructure of the universe called the cosmic web.
The filament, located about 140 million light-years from Earth, was observed by scientists primarily using the MeerKAT radio telescope located in South Africa, an array of 64 interlinked satellite dishes.
The rotating filament is astonishingly large, measuring about 50 million light-years long and 117,000 light-years wide. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 9.5 trillion kilometers (5.9 trillion miles). By way of comparison, our Milky Way galaxy, which itself is part of a filament in the cosmic web, measures roughly 100,000 light-years in diameter.
“We believe that the universe on very large scales is made of a network-like distribution of galaxies, gas and dark matter,” said University of Cambridge astrophysicist Madalina Tudorache, co-lead author of the study published this month in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
“This network is called the cosmic web, and it is formed of clusters, which are very dense clumps of matter, often formed of many groups of galaxies; voids – which are empty or almost empty regions of space; and filaments, which are strand-like structures which connect the very dense regions and border the voids,” Ms. Tudorache said.
The rotating filament described in the new study is populated by nearly 300 galaxies of various sizes as well as gas and dark matter, the mysterious invisible stuff estimated to make up 27% of the cosmos.
Everything visible in the universe is made of ordinary matter – stars, planets, moons and all the stuff on Earth. It can be seen in wavelengths from the infrared to visible light and gamma rays, but comprises only about 5% of the universe. Dark matter, on the other hand, does not absorb or reflect or emit light, but its presence is known through its gravitational effects on large scales.
The researchers determined that the filament is spinning by observing that the galaxies on either side of its central axis are moving through space in opposite directions, with the whole thing having a rotational velocity of about 396,000 km (246,000 miles) per hour.
“This is the largest individual spinning structure so far detected. Statistically, we believe there are other spinning structures, some of which could be larger. However, we have not been able to detect them directly with our current data and telescopes,” said University of Oxford astrophysicist and study co-lead author Lyla Jung.
The researchers likened what they see in this filament to the amusement park attraction called a teacup ride.
“The teacup ride analogy explains the two levels of spinning motion that make this object unique,” Ms. Jung said.
“First, each galaxy in the filament spins on its own. The gas and stars in each galaxy orbit around the galaxy center, like each teacup on the ride spins individually. Second, the entire cosmic filament also rotates. The filament is made of many galaxies, and this study demonstrates that the entire structure is rotating, like the teacup platform spins as a whole,” Ms. Jung added.
In studying the cosmos, astrophysicists examine it at the smallest and largest scales. They look at tiny fundamental particles such as neutrinos. They look at objects such as comets, asteroids, moons, planets, and stars that make up solar systems. They look at galaxies comprised of billions of stars and at clusters of galaxies. And then on the largest scales they look at filaments and other components of the cosmic web.
This study looks at the large end of things.
“This is a very exciting time to work in this field, as our capacity of discovering such structures is increasing with the advent of better radio and optical surveys. It will deepen our understanding of the universe,” Ms. Tudorache said.— Reuters
This Christmas season, the spirit of giving comes alive once more as SM Store, in partnership with SM Foundation, continues its heartwarming holiday tradition through Shop & Share a Toy This Christmas. Running until Dec. 31, 2025, the initiative invites customers to make a difference by donating a brand-new toy for just P100 with a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000.
Through this simple yet meaningful act of kindness, 5,000 educational toys will be distributed to children in SM Foundation-supported schools and health centers nationwide. Each toy goes beyond being a holiday gift; it becomes a symbol of hope, comfort, imagination, and opportunity for learning, especially for children who have limited access to play materials.
As part of the continued collaboration between SM Store and SM Foundation, the program reinforces its shared mission to nurture young learners, strengthen community connections, and inspire hope during the most meaningful season of the year.
This Christmas, even the smallest gesture can create the biggest smiles. Through Shop & Share a Toy, every donated toy becomes a reminder that when we give together, we make the season brighter for every child and for every community.
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Pag-IBIG Fund received the Best Sustainability Initiatives Award at the 2025 Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Awards Ceremony held Monday, Dec. 1, in Parañaque City.
The award recognizes the agency’s efforts to integrate sustainability values and responsible practices across its programs, services, and internal operations.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairperson Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the recognition highlights Pag-IBIG Fund’s dedication to responsible governance and meaningful public service.
“We are truly grateful for this honor from the GCG. Receiving this award affirms our commitment to embedding sustainability in every aspect of our work,” Mr. Aliling said. “It reflects the progress we have made from the way we manage our resources, to how we serve our members, and to how we support the country’s development goals under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. We are proud to contribute to a governance environment that upholds accountability, operational efficiency, and sustainable nation-building.”
Pag-IBIG Fund has strengthened its sustainability measures in recent years, particularly by expanding access to affordable and resilient housing through responsible lending and the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program. The agency has also accelerated digital transformation initiatives to reduce paper use, lessen branch foot traffic, and improve service efficiency.
Supporting greener housing options, Pag-IBIG Fund also allows members to avail of housing loans for the purchase or installation of solar panels, either as part of home improvement or as a built-in feature of newly acquired units. This enables members to invest in clean and cost-efficient energy solutions. The agency also provides additional appraisal consideration for housing projects of its accredited developers that incorporate green or energy-saving features.
Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the award reinforces the agency’s mission to deliver programs that are sustainable, impactful, and responsive to the needs of Filipino workers.
“We will continue to champion sustainability as we help Filipino workers build a better future through meaningful savings and affordable home financing,” Ms. Acosta said. “We are deeply grateful to the GCG for this honor because it strengthens our resolve to serve with greater purpose. This recognition further inspires us to remain steadfast in fulfilling our mandates with service excellence, integrity, and sustainability. As Lingkod Pag-IBIG, helping our members achieve better and more dignified lives is not just our duty — it is our way of life,” Ms. Acosta said.
The award comes at a meaningful time as Pag-IBIG Fund marks its 45th anniversary on Dec. 14, celebrated under the theme “Isang Pag-IBIG: Susi sa Bagong Bukas.” Founded in 1980, the agency continues its enduring mission to help members secure their future through affordable home financing, accessible savings programs, and services that support their journey toward better lives.
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The World Bank cut its 2025 Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.1% from 5.3% in its June report. PHOTO BY MIGUEL DE GUZMAN, THE PHILIPPINE STAR
The World Bank on Tuesday trimmed its growth forecasts for the Philippines for this year through 2027, mainly due to slower construction activity, muted consumption and a sharper drag from US tariff policy.
In its latest Philippines Economic Update (PEU), the multilateral lender cut its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.1% for this year from 5.3% in its June report.
For 2026, it lowered its Philippine GDP growth forecast to 5.3% from 5.4% previously.
The World Bank also cut its Philippine GDP growth projection for 2027 to 5.4% from 5.5% previously.
These latest projections are below the government’s 5.5-6.5% growth goal for this year and the 6-7% target for 2026 to 2028.
“We project that average growth over 2025 to 2027 will be lower than 2024,” World Bank Senior Economist Jaffar Al-Rikabi said during a briefing.
The Philippine economy grew by 5.7% in 2024.
“For 2025… the growth is largely weighed down by domestic factors. In particular, lower construction activity and weaker consumption growth,” he said.
The Philippine economy expanded by a weaker-than-expected 4% in the third quarter, bringing nine-month growth to 5%. This, as household final consumption expenditure and government spending slowed amid the corruption mess.
“But for 2026 to 2027, we think that it’s likely that external factors will weigh in more heavily on growth, largely slower export demand,” Mr. Al-Rikabi said.
The US imposed a 19% tariff on most goods from the Philippines starting August.
“The Philippines can leverage its strong economic foundation to implement bolder reforms that can unlock faster, more inclusive growth,” Zafer Mustafaoğlu, country director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei said.
“Removing barriers that limit investment and productivity and strengthening competitiveness can create more and better-paying jobs, expand opportunities, and reinforce economic resilience.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
Local dealers such as Toyota Marilao Bulacan, Inc. have been an important aspect of the Tamaraw’s record sales, building a strong relationship with their local MSMEs and their owners. Dealers have been cultivating trust towards MSMEs with the Tamaraw at the forefront, leading to growth among MSMEs in the community.
A key highlight was the unveiling of 
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