by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2026 | Business
SAN JUAN, Ilocos Sur — The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) held the second leg of the ANNAKKO Talent Show 2026 in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, part of a year-long program working to prevent child labor in farming communities. The event brought together 20 young performers from public elementary and high schools across the area.
ANNAKKO is ASSIST’s flagship program that directly addresses the persistent issue of child labor in small-scale farming communities, where families often rely on unpaid labor from household members, including children, to keep farms running. The program distinguishes this from child work—light, age-appropriate tasks that support a child’s development without compromising their health, safety, or education.
In contrast, child labor deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful- risks that are particularly prevalent in agricultural and informal settings.
Guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which upholds every child’s right to education, rest, play, and protection from exploitative labor, ANNAKKO works directly with farming communities to counter these vulnerabilities and safeguard children’s fundamental rights. This core mission drives the program’s community-centered approach.
“Our children are our future,” said Francis Macatulad, ASSIST’s Director for Business Development. “As the leaders of tomorrow, children deserve the opportunities to learn, play and experience childhood away from the demands and hazards of child labor. ANNAKKO (‘My children’ in Ilocano) was designed to raise awareness among the youth on children’s rights and the importance of education.”
To translate these principles into action, the Talent Show was launched as one of several activities under ANNAKKO Year 3: Our Children, Our Future, launched in November 2025. Anchored in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the program aims to reach 1,500 children, 500 parents, and 100 educators by strengthening the support systems around children — family, school, and community — through activities that include a Children’s Rights Parade, digital literacy sessions, poster-making contests, summer leadership camps, and the Talent Show series.
The event, supported by Rotaract Club of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur, Trans-Manila, Inc., and Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc., opened with an orientation on child labor, grounding the day in ANNAKKO’s core message: every child has the right to learn, grow, and pursue their ambitions in an environment that protects rather than exploits them.
Talent show winners across the Elementary and High School divisions were awarded plaques and cash prizes. Families, teachers, classmates, and school communities filled the venue in support of the performers throughout the event.
While events like the talent show foster immediate community engagement, they form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at long-term empowerment and regional growth.
“The program also organizes various enjoyable but empowering activities that build their knowledge and skills, such as leadership training, advocacy campaign building, disaster resiliency games, summer camps, self-defense classes, talent shows, and art competitions,” Macatulad added. “ASSIST is proud to uphold children’s rights and contribute to child labor protection among small-holder farming communities in Region 1, and we hope to expand our impact to other parts of the Philippines.”
Programs like ANNAKKO run on partners willing to invest in children’s futures. Organizations interested in partnering with ASSIST can learn more about partnership opportunities https://bit.ly/PartnerForProgress
About Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: www.assistasia.org
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2026 | Business
The new Cebu clinic combines Dr. Borres-Eramis’ experience in Manila with personalized treatment planning, physician-led care, and surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures under one practice.
D’Sculpt Face & Body Center, a new clinic specializing in advanced aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery, has officially opened in Cebu City under the leadership of Dr. Donna Borres Eramis, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has spent years honing her craft in Manila’s leading aesthetic practices.
Dr. Donna completed her training and graduated from the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS) and passed the board exam given by the Philippine Federation of Cosmetic Surgeons (PFCS). She is one of very few board-certified female cosmetic surgeons practicing in Cebu City, a distinction earned through years of rigorous surgical training, peer-reviewed assessment, and adherence to the highest ethical standards in the field.
A Cebuana Surgeon Comes Home
A Cebu native, Dr. Donna built D’Sculpt from the ground up after recognizing a gap in her hometown: Cebuanos seeking credentialed cosmetic surgery often had no choice but to fly to Metro Manila. With D’Sculpt, she brings the same caliber of care, structured treatment planning, and safety protocols she developed throughout her Manila career directly to the Visayan market.
“I took everything I learned from the best clinics in Manila and built something specifically for my community,” says Dr. Donna. “Cebuanos deserve access to safe, board-certified cosmetic surgery without having to leave the city.”
A Rare Credential in a Male-Dominated field
Cosmetic surgery in the Philippines remains overwhelmingly male-led. Dr. Donna is among the very few women in Cebu City who hold board certification in cosmetic surgery, making D’Sculpt a first-of-its-kind practice in the region. For the growing number of patients who seek the trust, comfort, and shared understanding that comes with a female surgeon, this represents a meaningful new option.
A Different Approach to Aesthetic Care
D’Sculpt operates on a program-based model rather than a menu of isolated treatments. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive consultation where their skin, facial structure, body, and wellness goals are assessed together. From there, Dr. Donna and her team design structured care plans that sequence treatments for optimal, natural-looking results.
The clinic offers both non-surgical aesthetic treatments (skin rejuvenation, injectables, laser, body contouring) and cosmetic surgical procedures, all under one roof with consistent medical oversight.
Rooted in Cebu, refined in Manila
While Dr. Donna continues to practice in Manila, D’Sculpt represents her personal investment in elevating the standard of cosmetic care in her home region. The clinic incorporates best practices from years of experience across multiple high-volume aesthetic settings, adapted for the needs of the Cebuano market.
“This isn’t a satellite office or a franchise. D’Sculpt is mine. It’s everything I’ve learned, built specifically for the community I come from,” she adds.
D’Sculpt Face & Body Center is now accepting consultations at its Cebu City location.
About D’Sculpt Face & Body Center
D’Sculpt Face & Body Center is an aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery clinic in Cebu City founded by board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Donna Borres-Eramis. The clinic offers surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments through personalized, medically guided treatment programs with an emphasis on patient safety, appropriate treatment planning, and natural-looking results.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2026 | Business
HREX 2026, the Philippines’ first dedicated expo for human resources solutions, will launch on September 22–23, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center. Anchored on the theme ‘AI, Workforce Solutions & Beyond,’ the event brings together leading local and international vendors, cutting-edge technology, and top thought leaders to reshape the country’s workplace management. The premier expo is supported by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).
MANILA, Philippines, August 27, 2026 – The Philippines is set to mark a significant milestone in its corporate history with the launch of HREX 2026, the nation’s first-ever dedicated expo for human resources solutions. Taking place on September 22–23, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the landmark event will convene top local and international AI and workforce solution providers under one roof to showcase the next generation of talent management technology.
Meeting the Demands of a Rapidly Transforming Workforce
The debut of HREX comes at a critical juncture for the Philippine workforce, which currently comprises over 47 million employed individuals navigating rapid digital transformation. As AI shifts from a future trend to an everyday operational reality, local organizations are actively seeking solutions that optimize recruitment, payroll, employee engagement, and overall compliance. HREX aims to serve as the definitive, single-destination marketplace for HR leaders to explore these advanced technologies.
Organized through a collaboration between Future First Talents and AFT Corp., the inaugural expo is anchored on the theme “AI, Workforce Solutions & Beyond.” It will highlight both state-of-the-art automation tools and foundational human-centric services—ranging from health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and mental health programs to office design and banking partners.
Industry Leadership and Collaborative Spaces
To drive meaningful industry progress, HREX 2026 is supported by the country’s preeminent human resources network, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). This institutional partnership brings credibility and deep community outreach to the inaugural event.
“We built HREX because the Filipino HR community deserves a space that is entirely theirs—not a side stage at a general business conference, but a dedicated home for the conversations, solutions, and connections that move the profession forward,” said Patt Soyao, President of Future First Talents Inc. and Business Partner of HREX 2026.
Bryan Co, President of AFT Corp. and Business Partner of HREX 2026, emphasized the impact of physical networking: “In a physical event like HREX, decisions happen faster. What usually takes months can happen in a day. HR is still all about people; you can’t replace real conversations, trust, and chemistry.”
World-Class Insight Stage Sessions
Alongside the expansive exhibition floor, HREX 2026 will host the Insight Stage, featuring 10 keynote and panel sessions across the two-day event. Prominent leaders from some of the region’s top brands—such as Jobstreet by SEEK, Canva, Sprout Solutions, UnionBank, TESDA, and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)—will share actionable insights on AI-driven talent acquisition, burnout prevention, digital HR operations, and total rewards strategy.
Registration is now open for HR professionals, procurement specialists, and business leaders. For tickets, schedule details, and further updates, please visit the official event website at www.hrex.ph or contact the team via email at ma*******@**ex.ph.
About HREX
HREX (Human Resources Expo Philippines) is the Philippines’ first dedicated expo for HR solutions, convening the country’s leading local and international brands across talent, technology, health, benefits, learning, and workplace operations. Held annually, HREX provides a curated marketplace and thought leadership platform for the nation’s HR community. Visit www.hrex.ph.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2026 | Business
The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), ONEKLIK Events, and Metrobank have formalized their strategic partnership for the upcoming 4th Travel Sale Expo, themed “Where Travel Dreams Come Alive.” Scheduled from October 2 to 4, 2026, at SM Megatrade Hall, Mandaluyong, the event is held in conjunction with the prestigious 3rd Ambassador Awards, honoring exceptional diplomatic and industry contributions to Philippine tourism.
About NGS Communications x GTBA
ABOUT THE GLOBAL TOURISM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) is an organization dedicated to strengthening the tourism industry by supporting responsible tourism businesses, fostering industry collaboration, and creating opportunities that contribute to the growth of Philippine tourism. Through its programs, partnerships, and industry initiatives, GTBA seeks to connect tourism stakeholders and inspire more Filipinos and international visitors to discover the Philippines.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2026 | Business
LandValuePH combines published BIR zonal values, location information and available market listings into an initial estimate of what a property may be worth — for owners preparing to sell, buy, inherit or negotiate.
Most Filipino property owners can describe their land precisely — the size, the barangay, the road it sits on. Far fewer can say what it is worth.
The question comes up at the worst possible moments: when a buyer makes an offer, when a family divides inherited property, when a broker suggests an asking price. And the usual answers are unsatisfying. A neighbour’s sale price may not apply. A listing site shows what sellers are asking, not what buyers paid. And the government’s published figure, the BIR zonal value, is a tax reference rather than a market estimate.
LandValuePH is built for the step before a decision gets made.
The platform starts with the published BIR zonal value for a location — a figure most owners have never looked up, because finding it means identifying a revenue district and reading through government issuances. LandValuePH has consolidated 534,228 of those records covering 48 provinces, 905 cities and municipalities and 34,321 barangays into a single searchable database. Looking up that reference value is free and requires no account.
The zonal value alone, though, does not answer the question owners are actually asking.
Why one number is not enough
Published zonal values vary more than most people assume, even within a single barangay.
In Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati, published values for commercial-residential land range from ₱455,000 to ₱940,000 per square meter depending on the specific location within the barangay. In Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, in the same city, the same classification is published at ₱330,000.
In Cebu City, published values for commercial land range from ₱249,000 per square meter in the city centre down to a fraction of that in outlying barangays.
And what a buyer will actually pay depends on things no schedule records: road frontage, corner position, access, elevation, flood exposure, what is being built nearby, and whether the seller needs to move quickly.
What a LandValuePH valuation report contains
For owners who want more than the reference figure, LandValuePH produces a paid valuation report. Each report sets out:
- The published BIR zonal value for the location
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Location and property classification details
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The property characteristics supplied by the owner
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Available market and listing information for the area
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The adjustments applied and the reasoning behind them
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An estimated value or value range
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The limitations of the estimate, stated plainly
Reports start at ₱1,299. They are produced from data and stated assumptions, not from a site inspection.
This is an initial estimate, not a formal appraisal. A licensed appraiser’s report — the kind banks and courts require — involves an inspection and a professional’s signed opinion. A LandValuePH report is what an owner reads before deciding whether they need one, or before naming a price.
Where to start
Look up the published zonal value for your location first. It is free, it takes about ten seconds, and it is the number your taxes will be computed against regardless of what happens next.
If you are preparing to sell, negotiating a purchase, or settling an estate, a valuation report adds the market context the zonal value leaves out.
Coverage is not complete. Thirty-four provinces are not yet represented, and the company continues to organize additional BIR issuances as they are published.
Start at LandValuePH
About Land Value PH
LandValuePH is a Philippine property valuation and information platform operated by AHG Lab, providing access to organized published BIR zonal-value information and paid valuation reports for landowners, buyers, brokers and property professionals.
LandValuePH is not affiliated with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Its valuation reports are an initial estimate and are not a substitute for an appraisal by a licensed appraiser or professional advice.
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