CCP and USTSHS reinforce ties to empower the next generation of Filipino students and educators

On March 11, 2026 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn press-releaseLeave a comment

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the University of Santo Tomas Senior High School (USTSHS) have officially formalized their continuing partnership and collaboration through the signing of a five-year contract aimed at revolutionizing arts education in the country.

Represented by CCP President Kaye C. Tinga and UST Rector Magnificus Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, OP, the two institutions signed recently a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further develop the strengths of the UST Senior High School curriculum by embedding arts education not only within the Music, Arts, and Design Track, but across all academic programs.

“Through this partnership, the CCP reaffirms its mission to expand its access to arts education and community engagement. We believe that by investing in the professional development of teachers and providing students with real-world apprenticeships, we are securing the future of the Philippine creative industry,” said CCP President Tinga.

Under the agreement, the CCP will provide expert management and training teams, grant students access to its world-class facilities, and ensure all activities align with the Department of Education’s Most Essential Learning Competencies for the SHS curriculum. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the CCP will also issue certificates of completion to both learners and academic staff.

Underscoring the mutual commitment to creating a positive impact on educators and the youth, central to this collaboration is the Sining sa Eskwela Arts Training Program, a capacity-building initiative spearheaded by the CCP Arts Education Department.

The program is designed to integrate specialized arts training into the USTSHS academic offerings through three key pillars: 1) Sining Alamin, an arts experience of performances or activities of the CCP resident companies, as well as a curriculum-based apprenticeship program designed specifically for students of the Senior High School Arts and Design Track; 2) Arts Online Talk, an online lecture discourse with renowned Artists and Experts, Art Educators, and Managers covering topics on cultural awareness and appreciation, creative industry, and the different art forms; and 3) Arts Academy, which offers specialized modules for basic education teachers.

USTSHS, meanwhile, will provide the necessary venues, technical equipment, and project coordination for onsite activities. Furthermore, the university will collaborate with the CCP to develop research and extension activities through the Dominican Mission Community Service, ensuring the program remains relevant for future art educators and professionals.

“For our learners, CCP is not just a venue or an institution; it is a gateway. A gateway to discipline, imagination, heritage, and purpose. Through this partnership, our students encounter art not as spectators, but as creators and cultural workers in the making. As we look forward to the next five years, we do so with deep anticipation and commitment,” said UST Senior High School Principal Assoc. Prof. Mary Erika N. Bolaños, PhD.

She added, “We believe that creativity sharpens critical thinking, empathy strengthens leadership, and culture deepens identity regardless of track or discipline. This undertaking reflects our shared responsibility: to form young people who are not only competent, but culturally rooted; not only skilled, but socially aware.”

Gracing the signing event were: Rev. Fr. Ermito G. De Sagon, OP, Regent of the UST Senior High School; Assoc. Prof. Mary Erika N. Bolaños, PhD, Principal, UST Senior High School; Prof. Rodrigo A. Litao, PhD, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction; Hazel A. Misola, LPT, MBA, Assistant Principal for Student Formation; Mena Angela M. Oliveros, MAEd School Secretary; Juan Carlos G. Santos, MLit Music, Arts, and Design Program Chair; and Justin Ira G. Ong, MBA, Field Experience Coordinator.

Also present during the signing were Dennis Marasigan, CCP VP and Artistic Director; Ronnie B. Mirabuena, Chief of the CCP Audience Development Division; Lino B. Matalang, Jr., Supervising Culture and Arts Officer from the CCP Audience Development Division; and Ian Darwin N. Wong, Senior Culture and Arts Officer from the CCP Audience Development Division.

For more information about CCP programs and productions, visit the website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph or follow CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates.

SM Job Fairs Kick Off 2026 Strong with Nationwide Jobs, Upskilling, and Career Opportunities

On February 9, 2026 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As the new year opens, SM Supermalls reaffirms its commitment to Filipino job seekers by welcoming 2026 with renewed energy, bigger opportunities, and a proven track record of impact through its nationwide Job Fair program.

Building on a landmark 2025, SM Job Fairs have evolved beyond traditional recruitment events into a full-scale career ecosystem—bringing together employers, job seekers, skills training, and government services in one accessible, community-based platform.

Massive crowd of job seekers during Labor Day Job Fairs at SM City Bacolod (left photo) and SM Mall of Asia (right photo).

A Strong 2025 Performance, By the Numbers

In 2025 alone, SM Supermalls hosted 198 job fairs nationwide, connecting over 117,000 job seekers with more than 6,000 employers across industries. These efforts resulted in 15,000+ hired on the spot, proving that accessible, purpose-driven platforms can deliver real employment outcomes at scale.

Beyond hiring, SM Job Fairs expanded their impact through partnerships with key government agencies, embedding skills training, digital upskilling, and on-site services directly into job fair venues—helping future-proof Filipino workers while removing barriers to employment.

Reputable and prestigious employers from PMAP’s network, like BDO, Coca-Cola, and SM Supermalls, open doors to job seekers during the two-day career event at SM City North EDSA.

Zamboanga City Opens the Year with an Exclusive Job Fair

Leading SM’s 2026 kickoff is SM City Zamboanga, set to host an exclusive Job Fair on January 16–17, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.

Held in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office – Zamboanga City (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment Region IX (DOLE IX), the two-day event will feature over 400 job openings from more than 20 employers in retail, food and beverage, customer service, operations, and support services.

With the empowering call to action—“Start strong. Find what fits. Your future begins at SM”—the job fair invites applicants to explore career opportunities aligned with their skills, passions, and long-term goals.

To ensure a smoother experience, online pre-registration is now open, with strong early interest already recorded. The upcoming job fair is expected to welcome over 5,000 applicants, with more than 4,000 registrants already signed up through PESO as of this week.

As Zamboanga City continues to grow as a regional economic hub, the SM City Zamboanga Job Fair serves as a vital platform for employment generation, workforce development, and public-private collaboration—supporting inclusive growth in the region.

More Opportunities This Year

With strong momentum from 2025, and a packed calendar ahead, SM Job Fairs begin 2026 ready to connect more Filipinos to meaningful work—one opportunity, one community, and one future at a time.

From Hearts to Hands: Globe Coop Volunteers Bring Care and Connection to Orphaned Children

On December 17, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn press-releaseLeave a comment

Globe Coop brought its compassion-driven spirit to the DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Lubao, Pampanga, through Hearts in Hands, an initiative that empowers employees to support orphaned children with both practical essentials and heartfelt care. This is part of the Globe Coop CAREavan, an employee-led outreach effort with Globe’s regional teams, delivering tailored initiatives across the country to create sustainable, localized impact for vulnerable groups, including special children, teen mothers, fisherfolk, out-of-school youth, students, and indigenous communities like the Mangyan and Aetas.

The project encouraged employee volunteers across North Luzon to take an active role in preparing more than 100 carefully curated items that were assembled into personalized gift bundles. Each bundle combines everyday necessities and comfort items, including age-appropriate toys, school and art supplies, clothing essentials, hygiene kits, uplifting books, and soft toys or blankets that offer warmth and security. Volunteers also wrote personal letters to accompany each package, giving every child a message of encouragement from someone who genuinely cares.

This year’s activation highlighted how Globe Coop’s employee-led efforts can build meaningful connections with vulnerable communities. The initiative focused not only on providing for physical needs but also on supporting children’s emotional well-being by creating small moments that help them feel valued and supported.

“For many of these children, small gestures can have a big emotional impact,” said Business Head Racquel Marcelo. “Through Hearts in Hands, we want each child to feel the care and warmth of a community that believes in them. Our volunteers poured genuine love into every gift, and we hope these simple acts spark joy and remind them that they matter.”

Globe Coop volunteers worked alongside RSCC staff to deliver the bundles and spend quality time with the children. Through play, shared activities, and simple conversations, the volunteers helped create an environment where the children felt welcomed and reassured.

Hearts in Hands reflects Globe Coop’s commitment to strengthening communities through compassion and collective effort. By empowering employees to uplift the lives of children in need, Globe Coop continues to help build a future where every child feels seen, cared for, and supported.

For more information about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Global Filipina tech leader says Philippines is now the ASEAN model for emergency response

On October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Now that the Philippines has in place a unified, nationwide 911 emergency response system, the Philippines is now the benchmark for NG911 (next generation 911) deployment in ASEAN.

Ishka Villacisneros, Chief Financial Officer of the NGA 911 LLC in the US and President of NGA 911 Philippines – known globally as the innovator of emergency calling technology and the leader in Next Generation (NG911) emergency communications worldwide – said the country has become the first country in the region to fully implement the US-grade emergency technology.

On September 11, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the unified 911 system in partnership with NGA 911, together with PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT, that guarantees any call for help from any part of the country will be responded to swiftly and accurately.

NGA 911 Philippines provides the next-generation advanced technology that has revolutionized the speed and accuracy by which calls for help can be reported and responded to, while PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT, Inc. provides the network and infrastructure that link national agencies with local government units (LGUs) for faster, more coordinated response.

On its first day of operations, the DILG reported that the newly launched system already showed 94.42% efficiency. The call center located at the PLDT Sampaloc office has consistently handled around 61,000 calls per day and has been able to identify and weed out test, abandoned or prank calls.

Ms. Villacisneros says the new technology will allow Filipinos to rely on a safer, more connected and more accountable emergency response system. She cited the key benefits of the system as “a single 911 hotline for police, fire, medical, and disaster response; real-time communication via text, social media, bodycam and drone video; precise caller location, even without signal – because the technology is serviced by Starlink; faster response times—from 1.5 hours down to around 5 minutes; and more transparency and data for better local decision-making”.

“Whether you’re in the city, municipality or a remote barangay, this system ensures that when you need help, you’re not alone, someone will pick up your call and get help to you.”

NGA 911 is currently focused on rolling out Next Generation 911 across all LGUs, ensuring operational excellence, responder training, and public awareness,” Ms. Villacisneros said. Down the line, more upgrades like AI-powered alerts, predictive analytics and multimedia integration for smarter, faster response are to be expected.

“Regionally, we’ve begun conversations with Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, Maldives, and more who are eager to adopt the technology after seeing the Philippines lead the way. The success here has positioned us to export not just the system—but the roadmap and strategy for implementation throughout Southeast Asia.

Other ASEAN countries are now reaching out to NGA 911, hoping to follow the Philippine model. “It’s an incredible moment. The Philippines is no longer just adopting tech—we’re exporting solutions,” Ishka says proudly.
Ms Villacisneros began the journey to bring Next Generation 911 (NG911) to the Philippines in 2019 “not just as a business move, but as a mission to save lives”.

“Back then, emergency response in the country was fragmented and inefficient: over 30 local emergency hotlines, 200 fire numbers, 700 police lines, and more than 40,000 barangay numbers. Help was not only delayed—it often didn’t come at all.

“In the last four years, I navigated a volatile landscape—working through administration changes, pandemic lockdowns, natural disasters, all while pushing the initiative forward. Despite these challenges, I successfully secured millions of dollars in U.S. investment from NGA 911 LLC, and built high-level partnerships with PLDT, Google, AWS and Starlink to support nationwide deployment.”

“We’ve shown that with determination, partnerships, and people-first leadership, even a developing country can leap into the future. Now, the Philippines is not just catching up—we’re leading,” Ms. Villacisneros said.

Her vision? For the Philippines to become the ASEAN regional hub for life-saving public safety tech.

SM Supermalls’ Bold New Era: All for You

On September 11, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn StoriesLeave a comment

From iconic destinations to evolved spaces, SM Supermalls is shaping malls that blend scale, innovation, and community for every Filipino.

SM Supermalls marks 40 years of retail leadership with a bold roadmap: to deliver one flagship mall every year from 2026 to 2030, transforming malls into future-ready spaces that anchor regional growth. Alongside these landmark projects, SM is investing over PHP150 billion in 16 major redevelopments and 12 new lifestyle malls, ensuring its entire portfolio evolves into greener, smarter, and more people-centered destinations by 2030.

SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali coming 2026

The opening of SM North EDSA in 1985 forever changed how Filipinos shopped, dined, and connected. From that single vision grew a nationwide network of 88 malls, welcoming millions of visitors weekly and housing thousands of local and global brands. Today, SM celebrates this legacy as both a retail hub and a trusted partner, community builder, and symbol of continuity for generations.

A Legacy Anchored on Trust

“At SM, we’ve always believed that success is shared,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “From the very beginning, SM was built on trust and relationships. We only win when our partners win.”

This philosophy has guided SM through decades of growth and transformation, from opening the country’s first supermalls to building nationwide retail destinations. Every milestone has been anchored on collaboration with tenants, partners, and communities. That same spirit of shared success continues to shape SM’s New Era vision, ensuring that the malls of tomorrow remain trusted spaces where people come together.

Flagship Destinations that Redefine Retail

Over the next five years, SM will deliver landmark flagship malls that serve as ecosystems combining shopping, dining, culture, and community in destinations that anchor regional economies. Planned projects include SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali (2026), Harrison Plaza in Manila (2027), SM Malolos in Bulacan (2028), Cavite (2029), and Pasay (2030). These projects reflect SM’s ability to raise the benchmark for Philippine retail while remaining deeply rooted in local communities.

SM Zamboanga

SM Harrison in Manila

Beyond flagships, SM is modernizing existing malls with open-air promenades, lifestyle zones, and sustainable features. These redevelopments will make every SM mall more vibrant, green, and people-centered.

All For You

This vision reflects more than just physical expansion. It highlights SM’s long-standing ability to adapt, modernize, and introduce new experiences that matter to Filipino families. SM is evolving its retail ecosystem to be tenant-led, offering dynamic formats, personalized leasing, and collaborative platforms. Sustainability is a cornerstone, with smarter designs, renewable energy, and eco-conscious developments.

“This New Era is not about adding more malls,” Tan said. “It is about creating destinations that matter, modernizing the malls people already love, and ensuring every Filipino has access to world-class malling. Our promise is simple. Everything we do is all for you.”

SM La Union

He added, “Our vision is clear. We are building the next generation of malls for the next generation of Filipinos.”

With its reach, partnerships, and track record, SM is positioned to lead the next phase of retail and community development in the Philippines.

40 Years of Partnership

The anniversary is being marked nationwide with over 4,000 exclusive partner-powered deals across all 88 malls, SM’s biggest shopping celebration yet. The milestone underscores SM’s unique position, a company that has grown hand in hand with its tenants while remaining the most loved retail channel, deeply woven into the daily lives of Filipino families.

“For four decades, you’ve been with us every step of the way, and for that, maraming salamat,” Tan said. “As we look ahead, we will keep evolving with you and for you. Because at SM, our success has always been shared.”

Community at Work: SM Cares Joins Brigada Eskwela 2025

On July 4, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn CSRLeave a comment

In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from June 9 to 13, 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls once again participated in Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community building.

The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

SM employee-volunteers engaged in a wide range of preparatory activities, including classroom cleaning and disinfection, repainting of walls and learning spaces, repairs of desks and chairs, and the turnover of essential learning materials. Through shared efforts, this annual initiative not only enhanced school facilities but also strengthened community ties and encouraged a culture of unity, pride, and collective responsibility for education.

The program benefited 66 public schools across the country, helping ensure that thousands of Filipino learners return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes resume.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development in every community it serves.

This initiative also forms part of SM’s broader advocacy under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, which champions programs for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth and Bike-Friendly initiatives.

For more updates on SM’s social good initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.

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SM Supermalls supports first-ever TESDA jobs and skills matching fair

On July 2, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn CSRLeave a comment

Your IT-BPO career starts at SM Center Muntinlupa.

In collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Muntinlupa, the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), SM Center Muntinlupa will host the pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair on June 19, 2025. This one-day event offers jobseekers—particularly those interested in the IT- Business Process Management (BPM) industry—a streamlined path from employment screening to skills training and re-employment.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can undergo interviews with participating companies. Qualified candidates may be hired on the spot, while “near-hires” will be referred to the Skills Hub for personalized consultations facilitated by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

At the Skills Hub, jobseekers will undergo a one-on-one evaluation using the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF). This identifies any skills gaps and recommends tailored training programs and career pathways. TESDA will then match these near-hires with accredited training institutions and available scholarship opportunities.

After completing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers—ensuring a full-circle career pipeline from application to employment readiness.

While this launch is a low-key pilot, it signifies a major step forward in creating more responsive, skills-based employment solutions.

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair represents a next-gen approach to job fairs—one that goes beyond resumes and job vacancies to focus on real-time skills-building and industry needs.

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This isn’t just another job fair—it’s a one-stop opportunity hub. Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can access skills training, career guidance, and essential government services such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

So, update that resume, bring extra copies, dress to impress, and show up as your most professional self. Your next big opportunity starts here.

For full schedules and updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

About SM Job Fairs

SM Supermalls, in partnership with key government agencies and the private sector, regularly holds nationwide job fair events to support employment, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building. These fairs provide inclusive, accessible platforms connecting Filipino jobseekers to thousands of career opportunities and essential services.

CCP celebrates Intramuros Administration’s 46th founding anniversary with the revival of Intramuros Evenings

On May 6, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

With a shared goal to promote the Filipino national identity, culture, and heritage, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Intramuros Administration (IA) collaborate to bring back Intramuros Evenings.

In the late 1990s, Intramuros regularly presented cultural performances and curated the Intramuros Evenings, featuring the best of Philippine artists and performing groups.

“Together with the CCP, we are reviving that flagship program with the staging of four Intramuros Evenings this year as part of our commitment to elevate Intramuros as a premier cultural and touristic destination,” said Rhea Cy, Head of the Tourism Promotions Division of the Intramuros Administration.

Intramuros Evenings featured performances from CCP resident companies including the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), Ballet Philippines, and Tanghalang Pilipino. In 2023, the CCP successfully restaged two productions from its Out-of-the-Box (OTB) series, ‘Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela’ and ‘Ang Kasal ni Figaro’, under the beloved IA program.

As the IA celebrates their 46th year of stewardship, preservation, and vibrant promotion of the country’s famous walled city, their revival of Intramuros Evenings with the CCP not only enriches the cultural landscape of Intramuros, but also strengthens the long-standing partnership between the two institutions who have always championed the enduring legacy of Philippine arts and culture.

“Intramuros Evenings will delight the community once again with more CCP productions as we continue to collaborate with the Intramuros Administration to preserve what is inherently Filipino and celebrate the best of the best in performing arts through this program,” said Dennis Marasigan, CCP Vice President and Artistic Director.

The CCP and IA have formalized their partnership during the press launch of IA’s Intramuros Summer Festival and Intramuros Passport with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to bring more exciting cultural shows to Intramuros.

For latest updates on the CCP productions under Intramuros Evenings, follow the CCP official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok, and visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for tickets and other inquiries.

Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

On March 23, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025.

A Nationwide Call for Participation

With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates. The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.

“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

About SM Cares

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leading initiatives on inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through its long-standing partnership with DSAPI, SM Cares continues to advocate for persons with disabilities, ensuring that every SM mall is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

About DSAPI

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Through education, awareness campaigns, and community-building efforts like Happy Walk, DSAPI works to create a more inclusive society.

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Lawyer and Corporate Governance Specialist Jose Tomas Syquia joins the CCP Board of Trustees

On February 6, 2025 By Jennifer PagalilauanIn NewsLeave a comment

The Cultural Center of the Philippines welcomes Atty. Jose Tomas Syquia to its Board of Trustees. He took his oath of office on January 28, 2025.

Syquia has worked in the private sector for 17 years, specializing in corporate governance and securities law, government procurement, telecommunications, arbitration and mediation, and consultancy work. His decades-long career in public service started as a state counsel at the Department of Justice in 1998. He later joined the Securities and Exchange Commission as a director in 2001 and as an executive director of the Procurement Service in 2014.

The newly appointed Trustee has been a member of the Philippine Bar since 1995. He holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, focusing on human rights law, humanitarian law, and law of international organizations.

Trustee Syquia is the son of the late Ambassador Enrique Syquia, a renowned international lawyer, diplomat, and law professor who founded Syquia Law Offices. It was once considered the biggest single proprietorship law firm in the country with one of the most extensive private law libraries. He strives to live through his father’s examples.

Syquia will join Chairman Jaime C. Laya; co-chairs Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo and Carissa Coscolluella; President Kaye Tinga; with Trustees Marivic del Pilar, Junie del Mundo, Isidro Consunji, Jonathan Velasco, Felix “Monino” Duque, and Atty. Gizela Gonzalez in helping the CCP fulfill its mission to be the leading institution for arts and culture in the Philippines.

Philippine Updates

Tag: education