You are financing destruction”: Southeast Asian advocates confront UBS for backing fossil fuel expansion

Southeast Asian climate advocates confronted UBS at its Annual General Meeting, accusing the Swiss bank of financing environmental destruction and locking vulnerable communities into decades of fossil fuel dependence.

Led by Fr. Edwin Gariguez, a Filipino Catholic priest from Oriental Mindoro and the convener of the Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) network, told UBS board members: “The Verde Island Passage, a marine biodiversity corridor where countless individuals, mostly fisherfolk communities, depend on its rich marine biodiversity for their livelihoods. This very ecosystem is now under threat, and the decisions made within this room directly contribute to this peril.”

“How can you justify your continued investment (in fossil fuels) while also investing in renewable energy?” he asked.

“Fossil gas is neither natural nor clean energy. It is not the answer to a genuine energy transition,” said Angelica Dacanay of Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, a member of the Southeast Asia Working Group on Fossil Gas and Just Energy Transition. “Gas projects are causing significant harm to our people, our oceans, and our environment. Furthermore, gas is a risky business — a risk that will eventually extend to your own interests.”

UBS has invested over USD 574 million in fossil gas developers operating in the Coral Triangle and Verde Island Passage — global biodiversity hotspots.

Muandao Kongwanarat, a Thai climate advocate, spoke on behalf of affected communities across Asia: “I speak for the children who are forced to leave school... because the land they lived on has been taken over by gas infrastructure.”

“You are financing the fossil gas dependency of some of the most climate-vulnerable countries on Earth. And you are helping to lock them into decades of emissions. That is not a bridge to the future. If anything, it is a bridge to destruction.”

Kongwanarat called on UBS to commit to a fossil gas phase-out.

“What Asia truly needs is renewable energy,” she said. “A different path — one rooted in justice, in sustainability, and also in accountability.” 

COMELEC Taps DOST to Ensure Quality of Paper Products for Election

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to ensure the quality of paper products used in the May 12, 2025 elections. The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) Pulp and Paper Testing Laboratory (FPPTL), the only ISO-certified lab of its kind in the Philippines, is tasked with testing and certifying paper products before they can be used in the electoral process.

FPPTL has worked with COMELEC for over a decade, assessing paper quality based on criteria like opacity, brightness, thickness, and tear strength. These tests cover various paper types such as ballots, envelopes, and paper seals.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum highlighted the importance of quality paper in ensuring a smooth voting process. The lab’s services also save the government millions by eliminating the need for foreign testing.

FPPTL continues to modernize by acquiring advanced equipment and expanding services to support both elections and broader industry needs. This effort, supported by DOST and its agencies, aims to enhance local manufacturing competitiveness and protect consumers from substandard products.

DOST through the Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) Pulp and Paper Testing Laboratory (FPPTL) is the COMELEC accredited government laboratory to ensure that paper products from the private companies are tested and certified before they can join the bidding process.

For more than a decade, the FPPTL has been COMELEC’s partner in ensuring the high quality and at par with standards set by the poll body on paper products to be used in the election.

The laboratory evaluates the paper quality based on its opacity and brightness, grammage, thickness, stiffness, tear and dimension. Among the paper products tested at the laboratory are multi-copy papers, continuous forms, envelopes, thermal papers, paper seals, vellum papers, newsprints, folders and specialty papers.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. has lauded DOST-FPRDI’s advanced testing services that are crucial in the conduct of important events such as the elections.

"By ensuring that election materials meet quality standards, we contribute to a smooth and reliable voting process. High-quality paper ensures ballots are durable and easily readable, which minimizes the occurrence of errors," Solidum stressed.

FPPTL is the only pulp and paper testing laboratory in the country and is certified by the International Organization for Standardization through the Philippine Accreditation Bureau.

Aside from COMELEC, other DOST-FPRDI clients include the Department of Education, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Transportation Office, National Printing Office, and the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

According to FPPTL Technical Manager Aimee Beatrix R. Habon, “the government saves millions of pesos by availing of FPPTL services, instead of having their paper products tested and certified abroad.”

The Institute continues to expand its ISO-accredited testing services to address the evolving needs of the forest-based and allied industries. These include the introduction of advanced testing methods and the acquisition of additional machines to create more innovative products.

According to Habon, the laboratory has procured new equipment to test the paper’s brightness, opacity and whiteness; smoothness; and porosity and roughness. Also acquired is the double-fold tester for measuring the folding endurance of paper, and burst for tissue to evaluate its strength. This is through the assistance and funding support from the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development and the Smarter OneLab for Industry 4.0.

"Our mission at DOST-FPRDI is to support the forest products industry by providing reliable and cutting-edge testing services. The expansion of our services reaffirms our commitment to help local manufacturers compete in both local and global markets," explained Institute Director Rico J. Cabangon.

“With these advancements, FPPTL strengthens its role in ensuring the quality and integrity of paper products, not just for the elections but for everyday use. By setting high standards for testing, we protect consumers from substandard and overpriced paper products,” Cabangon added. By Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon & Glenn B. Manongsong, DOST-FPRDI

Celebrating 20 YEARS of Legacy: MIAS Driven by Connections

Get ready to shift gears and turn on the ignition, because the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2025 is now officially open, celebrating its 20th year since its first inception in 2005! MIAS has been around for the past 20 years, showcasing the best of what the automotive industry has to offer and proving that it remains the unbeatable automobile show in the country! The theme for this year, “Driven by Connection”, is a fitting theme to highlight the efforts of Worldbex Services International (WSI) in making connections with international car brands, partners, and visitors to enhance the MIAS experience year after year. The 20th year emblem is a powerful symbol of their commitment to innovation. It is a testimony to how we charge ahead, driven by our ideals and aspirations, and shape the automotive industry together. MIAS has been a hub for innovation, collaboration, and progress. And this year, we celebrate these powerful connections we’ve built and continue to sustain, fueling an electrifying future — 20 years in the making.

The Opening Ceremonies of MIAS 2025 were hosted by celebrity car enthusiast James Deakin, whose energy caught the attention of thousands in attendance. Mr. Joseph Ang, the Founding Chairman of WSI, delivered a speech addressed to the distinguished guests, VIPs, exhibitors, and visitors, welcoming them for the 20th year celebration. The event was graced by pillars in the automobile sector, including Hon. Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, City Mayor of Pasay City; Hon. Atty. Romando Artes, Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Hon. Sec. Vince Dizon, Department of Transportation, represented by Hon. Usec. Mark Steven Pastor. They were joined by WSI Executives, Board of Directors, and MIAS Co-founders - Mrs. Levi Ang (Co-founding Chair of WSI), Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang (Managing Director of WSI), Arch. Flameno Jr. (WSI Executive Director), Rene Ramos (WSI Director), Tessie Roque (WSI Director), Mr. Alvin Uy (Co-organizer of MIAS), and Mr. Jason Ang (Co-organizer of MIAS). This year’s opening ceremonies highlight the evolving nature of the automotive industry and how the industry has changed over the last 20 years. 

WSI is once again thrilled to have hosted MIAS 2025 for the past 20 years. Navigate the 33,000 sqm exhibition grounds of MIAS and explore state-of-the-art exhibitions from close to 25 international car brands that are showcasing their latest car model. Check out 400 + car models on display, from ultra-modern to customs and classics. And for its 20th year, MIAS is expected to welcome more than 150,000 foot traffic - another remarkable blockbuster record in exhibition history! MIAS is anticipated to draw revenue, contributing its fair share to tourism and the local economy.

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) officially opens today until April 13, 2025,  from 10 AM to 9 PM at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. It is time to be driven by connections and buy your tickets online to skip the long lines at https://manilaautoshow.com/. For more information and inquiries, you may visit the official MIAS Facebook page at facebook.com/ManilaInternationalAutoShow.

MIAS 2025 is proudly organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

NMP Affirms Commitment to the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers in Ceremonial Signing

Intramuros, Manila – In a landmark show of solidarity with the Filipino maritime community, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) through its Executive Director formally pledged its commitment to the implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers during a ceremonial signing held on April 10, 2025, at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Intramuros, Manila.

This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in advancing national legislation that ensures the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers both here and abroad. With the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, the Philippines has harmonized its maritime labor standards with international conventions, further strengthening the country’s position as a leading provider of seafarers to the global shipping industry.

The ceremonial signing was attended by key officials and stakeholders from both government and private maritime agencies in recognition of their vital role in the law’s implementation.

Congressman Ron P. Salo of the Kabayan Partylist, the principal author of Republic Act No. 12021, emphasized the law’s critical role in uplifting the dignity and rights of Filipino seafarers, stating,

“This law is meant to provide comprehensive protection and fair treatment of seafarers, ensuring that they are safeguarded from abuse, exploitation, and unjust practices.”

He further urged government agencies, maritime institutions and stakeholders to actively participate in educating seafarers about their rights under the new law, emphasizing the importance of widespread awareness and understanding across the sector.

As the government’s sole maritime training and research institution, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) affirms its full support for the implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Through its core mandates, NMP remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the law’s objectives through its core programs in maritime training and research.

For more information about the programs and services offered by NMP, please visit https://nmp.gov.ph, email us at info@nmp.gov.ph, or follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter.

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UMALOHOKAN: A Battle Cry Against Misinformation, A Beacon for the Future

Taguig City, Philippines – April 13, 2025 – In an age where falsehoods spread faster than facts, where social media has become both a tool and a trap, one workshop dares to defy the status quo. The UMALOHOKAN: Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan workshop roared to life as more than just a gathering—it became a movement, a revolution of conscience, and a united front in the fight for truth, sustainability, and empowered citizenship.

What started as a modest initiative to guide influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and content creators toward ethical digital storytelling has now surged into a national rallying cry. As elections loom, climate realities worsen, and the youth stand at the tipping point of history, the UMALOHOKAN Workshop emerged as a crucible of change, fusing media literacy, environmental advocacy, and civic education into one unstoppable force.

“This is not just a workshop. This is an awakening,” declared Ross Flores Del Rosario, visionary founder of both Wazzup Pilipinas and the UMALOHOKAN Workshops. “We are raising a new generation of truth-tellers, eco-defenders, and citizen-leaders who will shape the kind of future we all deserve. The time for passive scrolling is over. It’s time to speak, to act, to rise.”

Held with the enthusiastic participation of the Samahan ng mga Iskolar ng Simbayanan (SIS) and Simbayanan Ni Maria Community Foundation Inc. (SMCFI), the event brought together scholars, social media influencers, and thought leaders in an extraordinary collaboration of minds and hearts. Special thanks go to SIS and SMCFI leaders Rose Marcelino, Xian Guia, and Ma'am Encarnacion Pioquid for their tireless support and commitment to youth empowerment.

The workshop drew powerhouse support from the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc., GPP Kalikasan Muna – Green Party of the Philippines, and JBC Workers Union, with key figures like Engr. Eric Raymundo, Mariella Amagan, and Josephine Cabatuando lending their presence and strength to the mission. From the stunning event visuals by Niel Jose of Green Initiatives to the bold designs by SIS scholars themselves, the creative energy of the movement was palpable in every banner and post, thanks to Nineverses Printing Services c/o Beng Girang.

The line-up of distinguished speakers and partners—among them Vera Files, PPCRV, LENTE Philippines, Ecowaste Coalition, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy, BAN Toxics, Alkarock by Gift of Nature, CreatiVoices, and TV5—delivered wisdom and inspiration that lit fires in every participant. Notable names like Ma’am Ellen Tordesillas, Chino Penserga, Atty. Jay Roset, Nic Satur Jr., Antonio Dizon, Eman Balani, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, John Reczon Calay, and content creators like Gio Almoite, Nestor Lim, Eduard Laya, Jenny Medenilla, and many more raised the bar for civic engagement in the digital age. Special thanks to Mark Anthony Wagan of Tekkie Pinas, Virgilio Cuarto Jr. of Every Tech Ever, Rizza Garingo of I Luv Rizza G, Maria Rona Beltran of Travel and Wellness with Maria, Prince AJ of AJ13VLOG, Tin Gonzalez of TodayPH.

Even those unable to attend in person—like Ronadel Cano Ang, Eric Teodoro, and others like Jayson Noveda of Ecowaste Coalition—extended their support online. Our gratitude also goes to mainstream media allies such as INQUIRER.net, INQ Plus Pilipinas, DWIZ 882, and former Malacañang Press Undersecretary Robert Torres Rivera and co-host Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera, who ensured our call reached every corner of the nation.

Our special acknowledgment to UMALOHOKAN co-founder David D’Angelo, who despite his ongoing senatorial campaign, continues to uplift this movement with his unwavering faith. And none were more surprising and inspiring than Atty. Joey Lina, former Senator and now President of The Manila Hotel, whose off-the-cuff yet powerful message left a lasting impact on every soul in the room.

With dynamic hosting by Vanessa Rose Torres from Pampanga and Filjon Curaming from SIS, and technical support from Vladimir Del Rosario, who livestreamed the five-hour event for a wider online audience, UMALOHOKAN proved that united, we are unstoppable.

Thank you to our sponsors:

All of our speakers, moderators and panelists received the following tokens from Bambuhay, Dimalupig & Gabrielle Food Products Trading ZAVRRUSOVinegar , Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter , Pili Finos and baked goodies from Simbayanan Ni Maria Community Foundation Incorporated - SMCFI and Samahan ng mga Iskolar ng Simbayanan - SIS

The Umalohokan Workshops team would like to thank everyone for showing up to support and share their knowledge and personal motivations

To every attendee, every speaker, every organization, and every quiet hero behind the scenes—thank you. You are part of a growing wave that dares to dream and deliver a better tomorrow.

As Ross Flores Del Rosario declared, “The future will not be handed to us. We must shape it—together.”

Join the movement. Be the voice. Become the UMALOHOKAN.

UMALOHOKAN: When the Youth Rise, the Nation Listens

In a country besieged by lies disguised as news and influencers manipulated into silence, something extraordinary happened in Taguig City on April 13, 2025.

They gathered—not for fame or followers, but for truth. They came as content creators, scholars, civic leaders, and dreamers. They left as UMALOHOKAN: torchbearers of knowledge, defenders of the planet, and stewards of the future.

Led by the tireless Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas and UMALOHOKAN Workshops, the event was a clarion call to conscience. “This is more than a workshop,” Del Rosario said. “It’s a movement—a collective decision to rise above the noise and create a country we can be proud of.”

In partnership with SIS and SMCFI, and supported by environmental and civic organizations such as Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan, GPP Kalikasan Muna, and the JBC Workers Union, the day unfolded like a living manifesto. Scholars took the stage. Creators shared their personal truths. Elders passed the torch to the next generation of changemakers.

Icons like Ellen Tordesillas, Atty. Jay Roset, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, Antonio Dizon, and Chino Penserga reminded everyone: facts matter, and storytelling is power. Their words weren’t lectures. They were sparks—setting fire to minds eager for meaning.

And then came the youth.

Influencers like Gio Almoite, Nestor Lim, Eduard Laya, Jenny Medenilla, and others proved that this generation is not lost—it is rising. Rising with purpose, rising with integrity.

Former Senator Joey Lina surprised attendees with a soul-stirring speech, urging the young to “defend the republic with truth.” Co-founder David D’Angelo, running for Senate, reminded all that real change begins long before the ballot.

Even those tuning in online—from Eric Teodoro to Jayson Noveda—felt part of something bigger. Media partners ensured the movement rippled outward: INQUIRER.net, INQ Plus Pilipinas, DWIZ 882, and more.

The event was hosted by Vanessa Rose Torres and Filjon Curaming, with livestream support by Vladimir Del Rosario, who made sure every word reached those who needed to hear it most.

From Bambuhay’s eco-products to handmade treats from SMCFI, every sponsor gave more than a gift—they gave solidarity.

This is what hope looks like.

And as the sun set on UMALOHOKAN, a new dawn rose—not just in Pasig, but in every young mind lit by truth.

“The future,” said Ross Del Rosario, “belongs to those brave enough to claim it. Be the voice. Become the UMALOHOKAN.”

Tagapangulong Casanova ng KWF, Naging Panauhing Tagapagsalita sa NTC

 

Nagbigay ng mapanghámon at makabuluhang panayam si Komisyoner Arthur P. Casanova, Tagapangulo ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa National Teachers College (NTC) noong 05 Abril 2025.

Dinaluhan ng mga mag-aaral ng medyor sa Filipino ang seminar na may temang 

"Pag-asa at Pagbása: Ang Papel ng Panitikan sa Pagbuo ng Kamalayang Panlipunan" na bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng NTC ngayong Buwan ng Panitikan 2025 na may temang “SIKAD PANITIKAN: Kultura at Panitikan ng Kaunlaran.”

Pinangunahan ang seminar ni G. Marino Crisostomo, Tagapangulo, Samahan ng Gabay ng Wika (GAWI) katuwang si Bb. Alecxandra Cortez, pangulo ng nabanggit na organisasyong pangwika.

Naniniwala si Tagapangulong Casanova na ang mga mag-aaral ng medyor sa Filipino ng NTC ay magiging katuwang ng KWF sa darating na panahon para sa pagtataguyod sa pag-unlad at paggamit ng Filipino bílang Wikang Pambansa hábang pinapangalagaan ang mga wikang katutubo ng Pilipinas tungo sa pagkakaunawaan, pagkakaisa, at kaunlaran ng sambayanang Pilipino.