The business advisory council to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is urging faster digitisation of government services and a fundamental overhaul of infrastructure approvals as part of a pragmatic approach to tackling corruption and inefficiencies in the Philippine bureaucracy. Sabin M. Aboitiz, lead convenor of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) and CEO of Aboitiz Equity … Read more
The Philippines is facing a sharp rise in near-field communication (NFC)-based fraud driven by sophisticated Chinese cybercriminal groups, cybersecurity firm Resecurity said, warning the surge threatens the integrity of the country’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem. In a report, Resecurity said dark web activity linked to Chinese actors targeting the Philippine financial system rose 230% in … Read more
The Social Security System (SSS) has moved to enforce stricter compliance across Camotes Island, Cebu, targeting 12 business establishments in San Francisco and Poro for failing to fulfill their statutory obligations under the Social Security Act of 2018. The campaign, led by SSS Acting Vice President for Visayas Central 1 Division Eric A. Coronado, forms … Read more
The Primer Group of Companies, a major Philippine lifestyle retailer and distributor, is ramping up its presence in Visayas and Mindanao and preparing to launch a dedicated digital shopping app, as it targets the country’s growing base of millennial and Gen Z consumers with evolving spending habits. Jimmy Thai, chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder … Read more
National University (NU), a member of the SM Group and one of the Philippines’ oldest private universities, has officially opened its 13th campus in the country—and its first in Central Visayas—as it marks its 125th anniversary and ramps up its regional expansion. Strategically located in the North Wing of SM City Cebu, NU Cebu spans … Read more
Cebu’s real estate industry has called on newly elected local government officials to fulfill their campaign promises and address longstanding governance issues, as pressure mounts for reforms to drive economic growth. Anthony O. Leuterio, president of A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP) and founder of Filipino Homes, said public expectations are rising for meaningful outcomes … Read more
SM Supermalls is introducing a wave of first-in-Cebu dining experiences across its properties in the city, bringing in Michelin-recognized brands, globally renowned restaurants, and local culinary favorites as part of its effort to elevate Cebu’s food scene. At SM Seaside City Cebu, one of the largest retail complexes in the Visayas, recent additions include Italian … Read more
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to relaunch its PAL Aviation School as a premier training hub for aspiring pilots, forging a strategic partnership with the globally renowned Airways Aviation Group. The collaboration aims to deliver best-in-class pilot training, reinforcing PAL’s long-standing commitment to operational excellence, safety, and workforce development. Following a rigorous evaluation, Airways Aviation’s … Read more
Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), the operator of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), is actively pursuing expansion plans to accommodate the airport’s increasing passenger volume and to solidify Cebu’s position as a key gateway for both tourism and commerce. ACAC is collaborating with Ricondo, an aviation consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive master plan … Read more
The Philippines’ used car finance market is poised for continued expansion, with the Visayas region, particularly Cebu, identified as a significant growth driver, according to a new report. The study highlights Cebu’s increasing population and well-established network of organized vehicle trading channels as key factors fueling demand for financing options. The report also points to … Read more