Mikee Romero: A Nation Builder Celebrated as Rising Tigers Magazine’s Man of the Year

Pasay City, Philippines — Readers and supporters of inspiring leadership will gather for a special magazine signing event featuring billionaire, philanthropist, and sportsman Mikee Romero, who graces the March cover of Rising Tigers Magazine.

The event will take place on March 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at National Book Store inside SM Mall of Asia.

Organized by Rising Tigers Magazine, the gathering offers readers a rare opportunity to personally meet the distinguished leader featured in the publication. The magazine signing will be led by Andrew Troy Nicolas, chairman of Tag Media Group, who continues to champion stories of leadership, governance, and community service through the organization’s media platforms.

Romero has been named “Man of the Year” by Rising Tigers Magazine, recognizing a lifetime of national impact defined by vision, execution, and service that reaches every corner of the Philippines—across business, public service, sports, military leadership, and humanitarian action.

He is recognized for repeatedly turning ideas into vision—and vision into action—building multimillion-dollar companies from the ground up and transforming them into industry-leading enterprises in port terminals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as in logistics, aviation, real estate, power generation, and renewable energy. These ventures have strengthened national connectivity, trade, job creation, and energy security. His entrepreneurial excellence was affirmed early when, at age 40, he became the youngest Filipino included in the 2013 Forbes Philippines 50 Richest list.

In public service, Romero stands out as one of the most productive lawmakers in Philippine history. As a three-term congressman and former Senior Deputy Speaker, he authored and co-authored more than 1,200 bills, with 148 enacted into Republic Acts during his tenure. These include landmark legislation such as Free College Tuition, Universal Healthcare, the Mental Health Act, the Eddie Garcia Law, and the strengthening of the 4Ps program, reshaping education, healthcare, and social protection for millions of Filipinos.

His national influence also extends strongly into sports development. Romero has played a key role in elevating and professionalizing national sports federations, strengthening governance, improving athlete support systems, and helping Filipino athletes compete successfully on the international stage—contributing to national pride and the long-term development of sports institutions.

Beyond enterprise, policy, and sports, his leadership is deeply anchored in humanitarian service. As a Full Colonel in the Philippine Air Force Reserve, he contributed to efforts supporting the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including initiatives that helped enable the acquisition of three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, vital for defense, disaster response, and humanitarian missions.

Romero has also led and supported relief operations during typhoons and floods in Central Luzon and earthquakes in Cebu and Davao. His humanitarian missions have reached some of the country’s most remote communities—from Mavulis and Itbayat in the north, Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, to Mapun and Taganak in the far south, and even the mountainous areas of North Cotabato. He has also spent Christmas with Aeta communities in Pampanga and Zambales, bringing food, clothing, toys, and hope to indigenous families.

The Rising Tigers Magazine “Man of the Year” recognition honors Romero not for a single achievement, but for a sustained record of building industries, passing transformative legislation, elevating sports, strengthening national defense, and serving the most vulnerable—measured by lives touched, communities reached, and a nation strengthened.

During the event, guests will also have the opportunity to interact with Romero alongside special guests from the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

“We’re the only publication that can hold magazine signing events at National Book Stores nationwide, and it has become a meaningful platform for our leaders to connect with readers. We’re grateful to National Book Store for this partnership,” said Grace Bondad Nicolas (EIC and CEO of Rising Tigers Magazine) 

Supporters, readers, and members of the public are expected to attend and take part in an engaging afternoon of dialogue, inspiration, and an exclusive magazine signing experience.

Leaders in Governance and Service Met Readers at Magazine Signing in SM Mall of Asia

Comelec Chairman Atty. George Erwin Mojica Garcia with Andrew Troy Nicolas, Chairman of Tag Media Group. Publisher of 5 Print magazines in the Philippines; Rising Tigers, TopNewsAsia, InCharge, Leading Women and EXQ

Pasay City, Philippines — Readers and supporters of inspiring leadership gathered for a special magazine signing event featuring George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections, and Glenda V. Hufano, Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District.

The event took place on March 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at National Book Store located at SM Mall of Asia.

Organized by TopNewsAsia and Rising Tigers Magazine, the gathering offered readers a rare opportunity to meet two distinguished leaders featured in the publications. The magazine signing was led by Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, who continues to champion stories of leadership, governance, and community service through the magazines’ platforms.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to interact with the featured personalities through a question-and-answer segment, which provided insights into Chairman Garcia’s leadership in the country’s electoral system and Hufano’s work in community development through Kiwanis.

“I am always thankful to our featured leaders that even in their busy schedules, they arrived to meet everyone.” - Grace Bondad Nicolas 

The magazine signing aimed to bring readers closer to the individuals shaping governance and civic service in the Philippines while celebrating the power of storytelling in print media.

Supporters, readers, and members of the public attended and took part in the engaging afternoon of dialogue, inspiration, and an exclusive magazine signing experience.

DOJ to Convene ASEAN Law Forum to Strengthen Legal Cooperation to Prevent Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

MANILA — The Philippines, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), will convene the ASEAN Law Forum (ALF) on March 12–13, 2026 at Fairmont Makati, bringing together relevant agencies and central authorities of the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (ASEAN MLAT) to strengthen regional legal cooperation to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The forum, titled “Export Control Legal Frameworks in ASEAN and Cooperation Through the ASEAN Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters,” is a Philippine proposal introduced during the 21st ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM). It aims to provide a platform for ASEAN Member States to exchange information and experiences on export control regimes.  Export control is a measure aimed to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, by regulating dual use goods.  Dual use goods are items or technologies that are intended for civilian applications, but are generally suitable to be used for military purposes or for the production of WMD.

The ALF will also facilitate discussions on the practical use of the ASEAN MLAT in addressing export control–related offenses, including the investigation and prosecution of violations involving cross-border transactions and the transfer of strategic or dual-use goods.

Through the forum, ASEAN seeks to promote understanding each member state’s export control laws, and policies of member states that are in the process of developing their export control systems.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts that support regional and global security, and enhances legal cooperation among ASEAN countries to address export control violations and other transnational security concerns.

DTI announces series of key ASEAN economic meetings this week

METRO MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Tuesday a series of pivotal ASEAN meetings aimed to strengthen regional economic cooperation amid evolving global challenges, including the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy markets and supply routes.

Marie Sherylyn D. Aquia, Director of the DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations, shared the on-going and upcoming meetings which are the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) Negotiating Committee Meeting, Legal Experts Meeting for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (SEOM), and the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat. The meetings will continue until March 13.

In a briefing, Aquia said that under the Philippines Chairship of ASEAN 2026, “These meetings reflect our shared effort to steer ASEAN’s economic integration efforts through an increasingly complex global environment.”

“In times like these, ASEAN’s strength lies in working together - to keep markets open, strengthen our trade partnerships, diversify economic links, and reinforce the resilience of our regional supply chains. At the same time, ASEAN must continue to seize new opportunities for growth,” Aquia said.

Acknowledging that the digital economy is one of the most significant sectors, Aquia said that digital platforms are transforming how people work, communicate, access services, and grow businesses across the region, the DTI senior official added.

“Ensuring that our region can fully harness this opportunity, and that our people are not left behind in the digital era, is a shared priority for ASEAN. This is where the [DEFA] becomes particularly important,” Aquia told reporters.

While emphasizing that talks remain confidential, Aquia said DEFA seeks to strengthen trust in the digital environment through measures such as online consumer protection, personal data protection, cybersecurity cooperation, and safeguards against online scams.

Alongside the DEFA negotiations, Aquia said ASEAN is also reviewing the agreed-upon provisions to ensure clarity, consistency, and the text's readiness before it moves closer to eventual signing.

Following the DEFA discussions, a Preparatory SEOM Meeting will convene and serve as the preparatory platform ahead of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat to review the agenda items to be discussed by the Ministers.

The goal is to align Member States’ views, clarify issues, and identify areas of consensus. This enables Ministers to focus on strategic priorities and provide direction on matters needing higher-level guidance.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat is an annual forum where ASEAN Economic Ministers meet to discuss the region’s economic direction. Unlike formal ministerial meetings, the Retreat allows for more open, candid and strategic discussions among Ministers.

“Among the issues to be discussed are the global and regional economic outlook, ASEAN’s economic integration agenda, sustainability initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community, and developments in ASEAN’s external economic partnerships. Taken together, these meetings demonstrate ASEAN’s continued commitment to cooperation in a rapidly evolving world,” Aquia said.

“As we face global uncertainties, from geopolitical tensions to technological transformation, ASEAN must continue to work together, adapt together, and navigate the future together. As ASEAN Chair this year, the Philippines is proud to facilitate these discussions and contribute to shaping the region’s economic agenda,” Aquia said

Investing in ‘silver economy’ one of ASCC’s top priorities — DSWD chief

MAKATI CITY —  Recognizing the increasing aging population in Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is prioritizing investment in the silver economy to promote active aging among its senior citizens.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the 2026 ASCC chair, said this priority will ensure that no sector is left behind in development, including older persons.

“That is part of the ‘I’ of RISE—Inclusive Development—making sure na walang naiiwanan and that the world is aging. Southeast Asia is aging. The Philippines will come to a point that we will also age,” Secretary Gatchalian said during the ASCC press conference at the International Media Center (IMC) in Makati City on Thursday (March 5).

The DSWD’s theme for its ASCC leadership is “RISE ASEAN,” which stands for: Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and an environmentally sustainable and food-secure future.

According to the ASCC chair, the goal is to encourage the private sector to invest in products and programs for older persons that will allow them to continue contributing to nation-building.

“So now it’s about time, under the chairmanship of our President in ASEAN, we push for investments to be made mula sa private sector para sa mga products and services that can help our active aging,” the ASCC chair pointed out.

“Ang gusto ng ating pangulo, Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., produktibo ang bawat mamamayan sa nation-building. Kaya ang konsepto natin ng silver economy is to get the private sector involved. Sila ang namumuhunan sa mga products and services o sa mga teknolohiya at innovation para masigurado natin na habang tumatanda tayo, eh maging bahagi pa rin tayo ng productive workforce ng ating bansa, or ng ating rehiyon,” the DSWD chief explained to reporters.

Secretary Gatchalian mentioned Brunei Darussalam Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Her Excellency Hajah Nor Ashikin Binti Haji Johari as having said that there is a golden opportunity for the ASCC to work with the ASEAN Economic Community, one of the three pillars of ASEAN.

“Binanggit rin kanina ng minister from Brunei Darussalam that there’s a golden opportunity to work naman with the economic pillar on getting the private sector to invest in this greenfield or new horizon economy,” Secretary Gatchalian said, noting that the ASCC is also pushing to strengthen cross-sectoral and cross-pillar partnerships.

The DSWD chief said the concrete details about the initiatives for older persons will be discussed in the upcoming high-level forums.

“If you ask me for details, there will be high-level forums wherein more concrete details will be provided. But that’s what those forums are for—to bring technology from the 10–11 countries, to bring in the private sector. Ano ba yung pwede nating gawin? Ano ba yung pwede nating deklarasyon para magkaroon ng investments in this new greenfield economy?” Secretary Gatchalian told the Media.

Aside from active aging, the DSWD chief also shared other initiatives discussed in the 35th ASCC council meeting that include the proposed Manila-ASPECT (ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation) Framework for regional disaster response, and thrusts for strengthening the families as the basic unit of society and focus on the smart youth in the digital age. (YADP)

Bilateral Ties with Singapore to Strengthen Partnership, Knowledge sharing on Social Protection for Women, Children, other vulnerable Sectors - DSWD Chief

MAKATI CITY —  Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian happily reported that the partnership with Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSFD) will highlight the joint goals of both Southeast Asian nations to exchange experiential learnings and information in social protection programs for the family, child development, women, and other vulnerable sectors.

The partnership, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 4 as a side activity of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), also focuses on developments related to the First 1,000 Days of a Child.

Secretary Gatchalian noted that the MOU signed with Singapore’s Minister Masagos Zulkifli provides valuable insights that could further enhance the Philippines’ approach to maternal and child care, particularly by emphasizing support for women even before pregnancy.

“If I can borrow the favorite line ng ating kaibigan na minister from Singapore, ni Minister Masagos: ‘You take care of girls, you take care of the country.’ Kapag inalagaan mo ang mga kababaihan, inalagaan mo na rin ang bansa,” Secretary Gatchalian told the reporters during the ASCC press briefing at the International Media Center (IMC) in Discovery Primea, Makati City on Friday (March 5).

The DSWD chief underscored that as a directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department started implementing the First 1,000 Days or the F1KD program as part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“We have a very vibrant First 1,000 Days program. Kamakailan, inilunsad sa administrasyon ng ating pangulo yung First 1,000 Days grant sa 4Ps. Dinagdagan natin ng grant—hindi lang health grant, hindi lang education grant or rice grant. For the first time last year, nagdagdag tayo ng F1KD, First 1,000 Day Grant,” the ASCC chair explained to reporters.

Learning from the initial technical exchanges prior to the formalization of the partnership, the ASCC chair shared that Singapore starts their FK1D initiative with taking care of the women and girls from the time they are ready to start a family.

“Kung tayo nga upon conception bago tayo nagbibilang, sila namumuhunan na sila o inaalagaan na nila yung kanilang mga kababaihan na maaaring magbuntis. Ang explanation sa akin ni Minister Masagos, pag nagpamilya na—kasi obviously pag nagpamilya ka na, the next progression is magkaanak—pag nagpamilya na ang isang babae, talagang inaaruga na talaga nila, tinututukan na nila,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

This perspective learned from Singapore also brought into the fore the importance of the DSWD’s Project ProtecTeen program, which focuses on helping teenage mothers cope with the challenges of early motherhood.

“Ang teenage pregnancy natin is on the rise. And ang reaction natin lagi is reactive. That's repetitive—the reaction is reactive. Study shows na kapag ang isang dalaga ay naging—undergoes being a teenage mother—she's already so stressed kasi hindi niya alam anong gagawin niya. Natigil na siya sa pag-aaral. Hindi niya alam saan siya kukuha ng pagkain or ipapakain sa anak niya. So you can imagine the mental anguish na pinagdaraanan niya. So that's why ang Singapore namumuhunan na siya early on by teaching somebody na kung sakaling mangyari ito sa’yo, ito yung dapat mong gawin. So it's the power of information,” Secretary Gatchalian told reporters.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, the MOU focuses on sharing of lessons and not on the possible provision of grants or anything monetary.

“That's why nga excited kami dun sa MOU. Kasi marami siyang nilalaman na hindi pinag-uusapan kung kaya mo bang bayaran, kaya mo bang ibigay itong grant na ito. Hindi ganoon eh. Kaalaman yung ibinibigay nila sa atin—makabagong kaalaman, makabagong pag-iisip hinggil sa usapin ng kababaihan, women's health, at the same time hinggil sa usapin ng pagpapamilya, taking care of the family,” Secretary Gatchalian stressed.

Celebrating the Women’s Month this March, this timely highlights the significant role of the women sector in nation building.

“Alam nyo, in this month of celebrating Women's Month, I think the best tribute of our President to Women's Month is that memorandum of understanding between Singapore and the Philippines,” the DSWD chief said.

Other areas of cooperation under the partnership include programs for the persons with disabilities, conduct of learning visits to facilities, and undertaking joint activities to support human capacity building and skills enhancement in the areas of social work. (KI/GDVF)

FinTech Alliance PH joins DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group

MAKATI CITY - Lito Villanueva, Founding Chairman of FinTech Alliance Philippines, has been inducted as a member of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG).  Villanueva took his oath joining 32 other industry leaders tapped to provide advisory support aimed  at  improving  the  quality,  affordability  and  reliability  of  the  country’s  logistics  sector, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses in remote areas. 

He was selected by the SCLG in recognition of his contributions to the growth of the Philippine fintech  and  digital  finance  ecosystem.  As  Founding  Chairman  of  FinTech  Alliance PH, the country’s  largest  and  premier  digital  industry  association,  Villanueva  represents  over  140 

corporate  members that collectively account for more than 95% of the nation’s digital retail financial  transaction  volume.  Under  his  leadership,  the  Alliance  has  been  instrumental  in advancing  policy  dialogue,  industry  standards,  and  innovation  partnerships  that  accelerate inclusive digital transformation.   

The  DTI-SCLG  serves  as  a  public-private  advisory  body  supporting  national  efforts  to strengthen supply chain systems amid the continued expansion of trade and digital commerce. DTI  Secretary  Ma.  Cristina  A.  Roque  and  Undersecretary  Mary  Jean  T.  Pacheco  led  the induction ceremony. 

Villanueva said closer collaboration between digital finance and logistics stakeholders will help businesses participate more competitively in global trade. 

“As Founding Chairman of FinTech Alliance Philippines, I believe that integrating digital finance solutions into supply chain ecosystems is critical to empowering MSMEs and enabling them to scale  beyond  borders.  

Stronger  alignment  between  fintech  and  logistics  will  unlock  faster payments, improved liquidity, and greater transparency across the value chain,” Villanueva said.  “We thank the DTI-SCLG for the trust and recognition. The FinTech Alliance stands ready to work with both government and industry partners to help Filipino enterprises leverage digital innovation as a competitive advantage in the global supply chain,” Villanueva added.