PCSO, PHILRACOM ink MOA for 2026 horse racing events

by Info @Brand Zone | January 23, 2026

By: Jerwin Palo Nohay / Photo by: Edwin B. Lovino

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Racing Committee (PHILRACOM) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for this year's horse racing events in a ceremony held on January 19, 2026 at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City.

The partnership, formalized by PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles and PHILRACOM Chairperson Aurelio De Leon, aims to further promote and develop the horse racing industry in the Philippines. 

Under the MOA, PCSO commits to providing continued support through the allocation of cash prizes and trophies for major racing events scheduled throughout the year.

For 2026, PCSO will extend a total of P17,250,000.00 to support 14 race events, underscoring its commitment to sustaining and uplifting the sector.

Chairperson De Leon expressed his gratitude to PCSO, emphasizing the importance of strong collaboration in advancing horse racing as a significant component of the country’s sports and entertainment industry.

The MOA highlights the shared commitment of PCSO and Philracom to promote horse racing tourism and PCSO gaming products through joint advertising and publicity efforts. This agreement further strengthens their longstanding partnership and supports the continued growth of the horse racing industry in the Philippines.

“PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!”

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

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.