DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Engages Cotabato Vice Governor on Project SARAI for Smart Agriculture

by Info @Brand Zone | January 21, 2026

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 | The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN Project SARAi team, paid a courtesy visit to the Office of Vice Governor Rochella Marie Ella Taliño Taray, on January 12, 2026, at Amas, Kidapawan City. This is part of its continuing engagement with provincial and local leaders to strengthen science- and technology-driven agriculture in North Cotabato.

The discussion highlighted how Project SARAi—Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines—can support evidence-based planning and policy formulation for the province’s agricultural sector. The team shared how climate, crop, and data analytics generated by SARAi can be translated into practical tools that guide farmers and local decision-makers in improving productivity and climate resilience.

Vice Governor Taliño-Taray welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of integrating smart agriculture solutions into provincial development programs, noting that access to timely and science-backed information is crucial in empowering farmers and safeguarding livelihoods amid changing climate conditions.

The meeting also opened discussions on the Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Park/Ecozone Program, emphasizing its potential role as a hub for agri-innovation, research collaboration, and technology commercialization in the province. North Cotabato’s participation in the KIST Park/Ecozone orientation held in June 2025 was cited as an initial step toward fostering an enabling environment for innovation-led growth.

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, led by Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, and the Provincial Government of Cotabato, headed by Governor Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza, to advance sustainable agriculture and innovation through strategic partnerships and science-based solutions

More Filipino workers secure homes as Pag-IBIG housing loan releases hit P140.54 billion in 2025

by Info @Business | January 21, 2026

Pag-IBIG Fund officials announced that the agency’s housing loan releases reached P140.54 billion in 2025, an 8% increase from P129.73 billion released in 2024. The agency’s home loan programs benefited 90,727 Filipino workers to buy a housing unit or finance home construction, renovation or improvement.

Recently cited by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the National Housing Expo last October for its efforts to expand access to affordable housing in the country, the agency said the milestone reflects sustained momentum in affordable housing finance.

“We are pleased to report that Pag-IBIG Fund’s housing loan accomplishment in 2025 reflects our sustained work under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, or Expanded 4PH, to help more Filipino workers secure decent homes,” said Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. “This supports President Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing by keeping financing accessible to our fellow Filipinos. We will build on these gains in 2026 by working even more closely with our shelter partners to speed up loan releases and help more Filipino families move into their own homes.”

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the agency’s housing loan programs are designed to keep homeownership affordable for Pag-IBIG Fund members in the Philippines and abroad, while supporting the government’s goal of uplifting the lives of Filipinos through access to decent shelter.

Of the total housing loans released, the agency said 7,056 Expanded 4PH socialized housing units worth P7.63 billion were financed by the program’s subsidized 3% interest rate. It also cited 4,811 housing units worth P6.2 billion financed under its 4.5% promotional rate for loans of up to P1.8 million.

“Pag-IBIG Fund remains fully aligned with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to expand access to quality and affordable housing, especially for minimum wage earners and middle-income members,” Acosta said. “As the largest single source of home mortgage financing in the country, we recognize our role in helping more Filipino workers secure safe, decent homes through home loans that remain affordable and responsive to their needs.”

She added that last year, Pag-IBIG Fund rolled out home loan programs addressing members’ varying needs, including subsidized and promotional rates for eligible borrowers, as well as financing for home repair and improvement.

Under the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan for the Expanded 4PH, qualified local members and all Overseas Filipino Workers who are first-time homebuyers may avail themselves of loans to purchase socialized housing units at a subsidized 3% annual interest rate for the first five years, extendible for another five years for qualified borrowers. The subsidized rate lowers monthly payments to P4,005 for house-and-lot units priced up to P950,000, and about P8,432 for condominium units priced up to P2 million. Pag-IBIG Fund Acquired Assets that fall within the socialized housing price ceilings are also included. Through the Early Bird Promo, the first 30,000 qualified borrowers may enjoy the subsidized rate for the first 10 years of the loan.

Pag-IBIG Fund also offers a 4.5% promotional rate for qualified local members and all Overseas Filipino Workers who are first-time homebuyers on loans of up to P1.8 million, making monthly payments more affordable. Under the offer, a P1.8 million loan payable over 30 years carries a monthly amortization of P9,120.34, compared with P11,082.91 at the regular 6.25% rate, allowing members to save nearly P2,000 a month, or about P71,000 over the first three years of the loan. This loan may be used for the purchase of a residential house and lot, a residential lot, the construction or completion of a home, home improvement, or the purchase of a Pag-IBIG Fund Acquired Asset.

For members who seek to improve their current homes, Pag-IBIG Fund offers the Pag-IBIG Home Improvement Loan, which allows qualified members to borrow up to P300,000 for repairs or home upgrades, payable within five years. With minimal documents and simplified requirements, members can apply more easily, the agency said. The loan is currently offered at a promotional rate of 3% per annum for the first 10,000 borrowers.

Maynilad employees join “Walk the Line” to boost water recovery

by Info @Brand Zone | January 21, 2026

Photo: Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez (second from right) and Central NRW Head Engr. Ryan B. Jamora (third from right) observe a “Walk the Line” deployment in Manila, demonstrating top management’s active support for field-level operations and NRW reduction efforts. Date of Release: January 19, 2026

More than 90% of employees of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) joined “Walk the Line” field activities in 2025, demonstrating the company’s commitment to inclusive, on-the-ground action in the fight against water loss.

With support from local government units and barangay officials, these employee deployments spanned 199 locations across 12 cities, covering over 1,070 kilometers of pipelines and resulting in more than 1,700 actual leak repairs. These outputs significantly bolstered ongoing water loss management activities, helping to expedite leak detection and response on the ground.

The initiative forms part of Maynilad’s broader campaign to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and improve service reliability for its customers across the West Zone.

“Walk the Line encourages employees from all levels to see, firsthand, the challenges our technical teams face on the ground. It’s a chance to help detect leaks, inspect pipelines, and identify signs of water loss,” said Central NRW Head Engr. Ryan B. Jamora. “Their observations and reports helped surface issues faster and contributed meaningfully to our field operations.”

The monthly field activities not only deepen internal appreciation for Maynilad’s water loss management efforts, they also reinforce a culture of sustainability and accountability within the organization.

“The ‘Walk the Line’ initiative reflects Maynilad’s commitment to responsible water stewardship. It shows how every individual—regardless of role—can make a real contribution toward sustainable resource management,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu.

The program complements the company’s comprehensive NRW reduction strategy, which includes active leak detection, pressure management, pipe rehabilitation, and community engagement. Employee involvement is key to strengthening these efforts and ensuring long-term water security.