Friday, January 16, 2026

Raising Skylines: How Megaworld is Redefining Office Spaces in the Philippines


A Vision That Touches the Clouds
When it comes to shaping the urban landscape, **property giant Megaworld** has always played a leading role. Today, that vision soars even higher with the creation of **Megaworld Global Offices**, a bold new move that strengthens the company’s footprint as the Philippines’ biggest office developer and lessor. This initiative will work seamlessly alongside **Megaworld Premier Offices**, empowering the company to reach its ambitious goal of **2 million square meters of leasable office space**.  

Furthermore, the expansion will not only be concentrated in Metro Manila—it will spread across key growth regions like the Ilocos Region, Pampanga, Cavite, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro. By doing so, Megaworld is positioning itself to offer world-class workspaces outside the capital, serving as catalysts for regional economic growth. This deliberate, strategic approach ensures that premium office facilities are more accessible than ever, fueling growth in both established and emerging business hubs.  

Building Legacies, Brick by Innovative Brick

Megaworld is not just creating office spaces—it is building corporate legacies. The company’s townships, now home to almost 200 companies, include some of the country’s most dynamic cyberparks such as Eastwood City, Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley Hill, McKinley West, and Iloilo Business Park. These hubs have attracted **Fortune 500 giants** like Google, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, IBM, and Accenture, along with a rising wave of innovative startups.  

Even as artificial intelligence, automation, and new digital technologies reshape business landscapes, Megaworld sees opportunity rather than disruption. “We continue to see strong demand for office spaces in the country,” says CEO **Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso**, highlighting how industries in finance, IT, and healthcare remain robust. With over **1.6 million square meters** across nearly 90 towers, and a track record that includes the country’s largest single office lease transaction—the **Philippine global service center of JPMorgan Chase & Co.**—Megaworld’s story is one of resilience, foresight, and unwavering leadership. And with **Francisco Roxas** at the helm of the new office leasing group, expertise meets innovation in the pursuit of shaping the future of work in the Philippines.  

Megaworld’s journey is more than just developing buildings—it’s about envisioning spaces where ideas grow, businesses thrive, and communities flourish. As **Megaworld Global Offices** embarks on this next chapter, it does so with an eye on the horizon, ready to elevate both skylines and opportunities for generations to come.  


Thursday, January 15, 2026

A Bounty from the Waters: CASFA's Remarkable Bangus Harvest


COURTESY: LRM/CIO photos from CAPOO

In the heart of Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, a celebration of community and hard work unfolded last Saturday, January 10. The members of the Cugman Active Small Fisherfolk Association (CASFA) achieved an impressive milestone by harvesting 3,182 kilograms of bangus, or milkfish. This substantial gathering symbolizes not only the fruits of labor but also the collaborative spirit fostered by local leaders and government organizations.

The success story of CASFA was made possible through the unwavering support of the Cagayan de Oro City Hall. City officials, particularly the CAPOO Agricultural and Productivity Operations Office (CAPOO), played a crucial role by providing essential resources. On September 10, 2025, they delivered 10,000 bangus fingerlings along with 259 sacks of bangus feeds to the association. This generous contribution highlights City Hall's commitment to enhancing local fisheries and empowering small fisherfolk, aligning with Mayor Rolando 'Klarex'’s Uy RISE development agenda.

Empowering Fisherfolk: The Growth of Cagayan de Oro’s Aquatic Resources

The assistance provided by the City Hall is a driving force behind the strengthened implementation of the Fisheries Production and Extension Program in Cagayan de Oro City. By prioritizing resources and support for local fisherfolk, the city encourages sustainable fishing practices and contributes to the economic vitality of the community. The dedication demonstrated by CASFA not only benefits its members but also enriches the local economy and promotes food security for residents.

As the fisherfolk of Barangay Cugman continue to thrive, it is evident that collaborative efforts yield remarkable results. The successful harvest of bangus serves as a testament to what can be achieved when communities work hand-in-hand with local government. With continued support and active participation, the future of fisheries in Cagayan de Oro City looks bright, promising further growth and sustainability.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

From Skills to Paycheck: How Dipolog City’s “Training to Trabaho” Program is Changing Lives


COURTESY: DIPOLOG PIA

Empowering Filipinos, One Skill at a Time

In the heart of **DIPOLOG CITY**, a groundbreaking initiative is opening doors to brighter futures. Early January 2026 marked the launch of “Training to Trabaho,” a collaborative effort between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Local Government of Sindangan. This visionary program is driven by Secretary Kiko Benitez’s mission to create employment opportunities for Filipinos through **relevant, demand-driven skills training programs**.  

Imagine a program that not only teaches essential domestic housekeeping skills but also bridges the gap between learning and earning. Conducted by the TESDA Provincial Training Center–Sindangan, this **Domestic Housekeeping Micro-Credential Course** equips graduates with hands-on cleaning techniques, impeccable work ethics, and service excellence standards. The goal is simple yet impactful — to match the needs of busy households with the skills of trained workers, offering sustainable livelihoods while elevating the quality of service in the community.  

Turning Skills into Sustainable Livelihood

The “Training to Trabaho” initiative is more than just training; it’s a pathway to financial independence for TESDA graduates, solo parents, women, and marginalized residents. For households, the convenience is unmatched — on-call housekeeping services are available for ₱150 per hour, with a minimum of two hours per booking and an additional ₱50 per hour beyond the minimum. This flexibility meets the demands of modern families, freeing up time and reducing stress.  

Clients like Fatima Lagutan, a busy mother balancing work and family, attest to its value: “So far, the services are convenient and beneficial, especially for a busy mom like me hustling to earn more for my family.” Her words highlight the program’s immediate impact — providing both a reliable service to households and a steady income to workers. For those interested in availing services or joining the program, the Sindangan Public Employment Service Office and Livelihood Focal Persons are ready to assist, ensuring no willing hand is left without work.  




Sun-Powered Shopping Spree: Lighting Up Malls and Lives with Solar Magic!

COURTESY: SM CDO Downtown Hey folks, imagine strolling through your favorite mall while knowing the sun's doing all the heav...