“The challenges and opportunities from the twin digital and green transitions are felt much more in the Philippines,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

“Our focus is to ensure that training programs are accessible, especially for youth from low- to medium-skill backgrounds, who stand to benefit the most from these new job opportunities.”

Together with its partners, ILO is ramping up initiatives to ensure Filipino youth are not left behind, but instead positioned to benefit from new, higher-quality job opportunities.

At a DigiGreen construction skills partnership forum held on March 25, 2026 in Quezon City, government agencies, industry leaders, and training institutions aligned efforts to prepare young workers for a more technology-driven and environmentally sustainable construction landscape.

The urgency is clear. Construction, one of the country’s largest sources of employment, is rapidly evolving, with demand rising for workers who can navigate both digital tools and green building practices. Without targeted training, many risk being excluded from emerging roles.

Central to the initiative are two critical skill areas: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green construction.

BIM—a digital system that enables more efficient design, planning, and management of buildings—is fast becoming a global industry standard. It is already required in large-scale projects in countries such as Korea, Singapore, and Dubai, signaling a shift toward higher productivity, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

“BIM and green construction skills are among the most important starting points for leveraging the digital and green transitions to improve youth employment in this sector,” said Hochul Shin, Chief Technical Adviser of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme.

For young workers, acquiring these competencies can open doors to more specialized roles, better wages, and more stable career paths — moving beyond traditionally informal and precarious construction work.

To help bridge the gap between training and employment, the forum also marked the formal handover of learning modules to key Philippine institutions, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), and the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA).

The initiative forms part of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme’s Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project, aimed at future-proofing the region’s workforce amid rapid economic and environmental shifts.

A few months ago, social media was abuzz over Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) delegates who reportedly went to Thailand for a “seminar,” accompanied by more telling photos of their “major, major” itinerary, including riding elephants. That alone raised eyebrows about what exactly passes for “training” these days in government circles.

Earlier this month, some 12 local officials from Bulacan — 11 vice mayors and one mayor — found themselves stranded in Dubai amid tensions in the Middle East following drone attacks by Iran.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla Jr. explained that the officials had travel authority and that the trip was supposedly done in their “personal capacity.” According to him, as long as no government funds were used, such travel can be permitted.

However, even with that explanation, all taxpayers should ask serious questions about these practices, which have apparently been ongoing for decades.

The way I see it, one of the most understated breeding grounds of corruption is the whole culture of trainings, conferences, and seminars conducted by national government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

Think about how these things usually work. Officials travel as a group to venues far from their offices — sometimes to hotels in Metro Manila, even if they come from nearby provinces. In other cases, they go abroad. All of this entails costs: hotel accommodations, often in upscale venues; airfare and even VIP transport arrangements; and on top of that, daily allowances mandated by government rules on these activities.

The basic question is this: Is that really the most appropriate use of taxpayer money today?

Especially when technology already allows many of these conferences to be conducted online — through Zoom, MS Teams, and similar platforms — which are not only effective but far more economical.

But because these trips are funded or facilitated through government budgets, they sometimes end up becoming occasions for “travel goals” and social climbing. Kaya madalas under the radar ginagawa — they are not publicized.

And then, incidents like the Dubai situation happen. If there’s really nothing suspicious about that group travel, why not have Bulacan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Gov. Alex Castro, have this investigated?

I mean it’s not like Bulacan is a stalwart protector of taxpayer’s money amid all the corruption scandals surfacing from DPWH-led flood mitigation ghost projects. Perhaps it’s in the Vice Governor’s interest — I’ve heard whispers he eyes the governorship post in 2028 — to ask questions like: “Nagpapalakas ba si mayor sa 11 vice mayors?” “Is someone in that group positioning himself for a future run for governor, too?”

If this kind of practice continues unchecked, whether in national agencies or in LGUs, it will eventually trickle down to the barangays just as it did to the Sangguniang Kabataan level.

What kind of example are we setting for the youth and future leaders from the grassroots if even a “new employee orientation” can become an out-of-town resort affair — overnight, with swimming, cocktails, and all the trappings of a vacation that ordinary Filipinos simply cannot afford?

Public service was never meant to look like this. This is not what the taxpaying public should pay for.

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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

While there is a sense of relief that the people of Iran may be driving toward freedom and change from the rigid Islamic regime, more so with the US-Israeli strikes that killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, peace in the Middle East is far from at hand.

First, there is no clear path for a stable succession of leadership – one that, at the very least, turns its back on theocratic ideology, which has dictated the nation’s leadership since 1979.

Second, its internal struggle is not without a firestorm of conflicts still raging with its Arab neighbors — the very ones it bombed in retaliation, apart from civilian targets in Tel Aviv. And it’s not like the attack drones only targeted US military facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Iran bombed the heart of the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

As of this writing, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have not allowed any ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most vital energy chokepoint connecting Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

A shutdown here is not abstract geopolitics, but a move whose ripple effect would be a global supply shock. Roughly 20% of the world’s crude flows through that narrow corridor, and 80% of that heads for Asia – a third, to China.

If one can recall, just at the start of the year — if it’s any precursor to the developments of today — President Donald Trump had the temerity to invite China and Russia to purchase oil from the U.S. after US forces captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

That was a move to assert control over Venezuelan crude exports, effectively offering access to Asia, Russia, and China to buy oil now under Trump management. This strategic pivot reinforces Washington’s leverage in global energy markets even as supply lines tighten under Middle East instability.

For the Philippines, these may all read like distant foreign policy on the surface, especially if you listen solely to statements of President Marcos and his Department of National Defense (DND), which took to the news on Sunday the assurance that the Middle East conflict has “no direct threat” to the country.

Well, for one, the death of Filipina caregiver, Mary Anne Velazquez Rivera, who was hit by shrapnel as she raced to help her ward get into a bomb shelter in Israel, shows “no direct threat” is only a comforting phrase if our OFWs are out of the equation. We have hundreds of thousands of OFWs scattered across the Gulf.

Truth is, geography may protect our territory — 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers away from the bombs falling — but it does not shield our people from the consequences. Even without a single missile landing on Philippine soil, insurance premiums rise, freight rates spike, and markets respond in real time. The distance between Manila and the Gulf is long, but the distance between a blocked oil route and a Filipino commuter’s wallet is much shorter.

So, my read into this war saga is that militarily, our government may tell us there is no direct threat. But strategically, economically, and painfully — we are already in it.

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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

The event spotlighted a range of Dubai residential projects — from high-rise urban towers to resort-style master-planned communities and branded residences — catering to both first-time overseas buyers and seasoned investors looking to diversify beyond the Philippine market.

ERA Philippines said interest in offshore assets among Filipinos has been steadily growing.

“We observed a strong interest among Filipino investors in exploring opportunities beyond the local market, particularly as they become more deliberate about diversification,” said Jemariz Austria, Director of Marketing and PR of ERA Philippines.

“Our role is to bridge that gap by making international real estate more accessible, informed, and approachable. Through our partnership with DAMAC Properties, we were able to bring global developments directly to Filipino investors, providing them with clarity, proper guidance, and confidence to assess markets like Dubai,” Austria added.

Among the projects presented were Safa Gate along Sheikh Zayed Road, DAMAC Islands with entry prices starting at around ₱10.9 million, DAMAC Riverside Views featuring waterfront living concepts, and Chelsea Residences, a branded residential development positioned around lifestyle appeal.

Founded in 2002, DAMAC Properties has delivered over 50,000 residential units and currently has more than 54,000 units in progress. Its portfolio spans luxury towers, hospitality projects, and large-scale communities, with operations across 15 cities worldwide.

The Manila event builds on ERA Philippines’ earlier international investor engagements, including a U.S.-based presentation in late 2025, signaling sustained Filipino interest in global property markets.

For Filipino buyers seeking geographic diversification, Dubai is increasingly being positioned as a viable entry point into overseas real estate investing.

Under the initiative of Mon Abrea, ACG’s Chief Tax Advisor, the Asia Roadshow reinforces ACG’s commitment to advancing global investment opportunities and delivering expert tax briefings through upcoming engagements in Japan and South Korea.

The series of engagements is focused on its objectives: empowering international investors, Filipino business communities, and policymakers with strategic insights on Philippine tax reforms and investment, and highlighting the Philippines as a strategic investment hub.

Before heading to the Japan leg of the roadshow, the Asian Consulting Group will host a media conference for its upcoming event in Manila. The roadshow will then continue on September 18 in Japan, where Mon Abrea will lead an Investment and Tax Briefing. The session will spotlight current tax reforms aimed at simplifying compliance and boosting investor confidence.

From September 18 to 21, ACG will visit Tokyo, Japan, for an Investment and Tax Briefing with the Japan Chamber of Commerce, focused on enhancing bilateral trade, tax policy dialogue, and investment relationship between Japan and the Philippines

Next, from September 24 to 28, the roadshow moves to Seoul, South Korea, for an Investment and Tax Briefing in collaboration with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). This leg aims to align business strategies with Philippine tax reforms and foster fiscal partnerships across sectors.

As ACG strengthens its international presence, Mon Abrea continues to sharpen his policy expertise through the Tax Policy for Practitioners program at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, ensuring that ACG’s strategies remain globally relevant and informed by cutting-edge academic and policy research.

ACG is a trusted tax advisory firm in the Philippines, providing tax strategy, compliance, and policy advisory services to multinational corporations, foreign investors, and government institutions. With a strong presence in Asia and an expanding global network, ACG continues to bridge the gap between international investors and the dynamic Philippine market.

To explore partnership opportunities or join ACG’s global investment promotion initiatives, CONSULT ACG or you may also send an email to consult@acg.ph.

The film premiere will be at the Opportunity Forum on March 27, 2022 at 7:00pm. It is a unique opportunity to share the impact of a Philippine innovation in building resilient communities with a broad audience that has convened in Dubai because of their commitment to sustainability. This project is supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) where the Liter of Light is a Momentum for Change awardee (https://tinyurl.com/mryxvzec) and will feature interviews of Niclas Svenningsen, Manager, UN Global Climate Action.

Part historical chronicle, part environmental lesson, “Theory of Light” shows how Liter of Light is reinvigorating efforts to take action because of the increasing impact of climate change and inspiring new generations of innovators from the Global South to come up with ideas that will change the world.

The Philippines is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world. As part of the typhoon belt, the country expects 20 storms each year, but with the increase in global warming, 25% of these yearly storms are now classified as catastrophic. Just last December, a new Category 5 storm, Super Typhoon Rai, tore through the Philippines, killing more than 400 people and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes. It is only the latest in a series of super storms that pose an existential threat to the island nation’s heritage and way of life.

“Most media coverage to date focuses on the receiving effects of the climate crisis,” says Illac Diaz, Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light. “Filipinos are admired for our resilience, but rarely do stories focus on the innovative solutions that communities themselves have developed to take dramatic action. In fact, only 1% of all global expenses for filmmaking are spent on the environment, especially in the Philippines. With this documentary, we want to flip the script, and share stories of hope that inspire others to make a commitment to the planet.”

In 2018, Liter of Light has been selected as one of the Global Innovators under Expo Live, Expo 2020’s global innovation and partnership programme, and received funding for its grassroots work in the Philippines. The results of the Expo Live funded projects were recorded in a documentary. This documentary would like to advance bold storytelling that centers the climate emergency through a climate justice lens. With a commitment to uplift perspectives of black, brown and indigenous communities, whose lives are already being impacted by climate change. But also to represent those who feel excluded for the climate movement and whose voices have not been represented in traditional climate storytelling.

The feature-length film is produced and distributed by TBA Studios (https://www.tba.ph/film-catalogue/), the two-time Philippine representative to the Academy Awards. Known for its critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking films, TBA Studios cemented their status as one of the top production companies in the Philippines with its big budget epics and major box office hits such as “General Luna” and “Goyo: The Boy General”. 

“TBA Studios has always been committed to bringing to life stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. ‘Theory of Light’ is the first Filipino global environmental film with a local narrative about the harsh realities of climate change. We hope that this project will touch people’s lives—the way it did ours—and continue to influence decision-makers around the world to create more sustainable and tangible solutions for all,” shares TBA Studios CEO E. A. Rocha.

“I believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships to elevate global sustainability. For our children’s children, the present generation must come together and adapt to the challenges of climate change. “Theory of Light” shows us that even the simplest folk can do their part and be an excellent example of resilience and disaster preparedness. We find shining beacons of light amid natural disasters,” says Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee for SM Prime Holdings.

Development of “Theory of Light” was supported by a grant from SM Prime Holdings, Inc, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience form part of SM Prime’s core business strategies, committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities.

Filmmaker J.P. Gopez, whose works include documentaries for National Geographic and TBA Studios’ legacy docu-series “Habambuhay: Remembering 100 Years of Philippine Cinema”, helmed the project. It is also executive produced by Liter of Light founder Illac Diaz, SM Prime President Hans Sy, TBA Studios CEOs E.A. Rocha and Fernando Ortigas with TBA’s Executive Vice-President and General Manager Daphne Chiu and Film Development Manager Margie Navarro co-producing.

By Alithea De Jesus

Emirates, the largest airline of the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East takes pride in its award-winning loyalty program, Emirates Skywards as it reaches another milestone.

With its 20 years of excellence, innovation, and unmatched rewards, Emirates Skywards loyalty program remains strong and continues to grow its membership base by offering value and rich, personalized experiences to its members around the world.

Their unique program has continually invested to diversify its brand partnerships, and utilize innovative digital technology, so that it can offer its members across the globe with more ways to earn and enjoy rewards, conveniently and via new touchpoints.

From a million members in 2005, to 27 million members in 2020

The loyalty program has 27 million members worldwide, of which, more than 32,000 are founding members who joined the program in 2000 and are still active.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Emirates Skywards is offering members double Tier Miles on any flight booked by December 10, for travel until March 31, 2021,* while founding members can earn double Tier Miles and double Skywards Miles on any flight booked by December 10, for travel until August 31, 2021.*

Emirates Skywards members come from more than 180 countries, including: 3.5 million members in the United Kingdom, 2.7 million in the United States, 2 million in Australia, 1.9 million in India, and 1.9 million in the United Arab Emirates.

Offering more flexibility, choice, and ways to earn on the ground

Emirates Skywards has expanded its range of partners over the past 20 years to create new, exciting, and exceptional value offerings for its diverse membership base. The loyalty program currently has nearly 200 partners, including 16 airline partners; more than 100 hotel partners; 33 financial partners, 22 retail and lifestyle partners, and 7 car rental partners.

Earlier this year, the loyalty program launched skywardsmilesmall.com – introducing over a thousand new ways to earn Miles while shopping online with popular UK and US brands. Expanding its financial partnerships, the loyalty program has launched the Emirates Skywards Mastercard® in partnership with Barclays – its first Emirates branded credit card in the U.S allowing customers to accumulate even more Skywards Miles on their everyday spend and travel purchases.

‘My Family’ program, which launched in 2018, has enhanced its features to now accept family members pooling up to 100% of all Skywards Miles earned, not just on Emirates flights – allowing customers to redeem rewards even faster than before.

Members can also earn thousands of Miles with Emirates Skywards Hotels at over 400,000 hotels, in over 900 destinations worldwide – and up to 2,500 bonus Miles per night, when using a co-branded Emirates Skywards credit card for payment.

Emirates Skywards’ introduction of personalized offers integrated within the booking flow is an industry-first loyalty benefit, whereby logged-in members can avail enhanced Cash+Miles redemption rates and discounted Miles Upgrades when booking flights directly on emirates.com and the Emirates app. These exclusive offers are tailored to suit each member’s preference – offering vast opportunities to save on travel costs.

Enhanced customer experience

Members can enjoy more personalized offerings at their fingertips through four Skywards apps – Emirates app (Skywards section integrated within), Emirates Skywards Go (offering dining and leisure offers in 160 destinations), Emirates Skywards Cabforce (booking taxis in over 100 cities in more than 25 countries), and Skywards Everyday (allowing members to earn Miles instantly when shopping at beauty and wellness stores, dining, groceries, luxury, leisure and entertainment outlets, as well as other services across the UAE). Members can download the Skywards Everyday app from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

Emirates Skywards also has a partnership with The Dubai Mall, rewarding members with Skywards Miles when shopping at over 1,300 brands, dining at over 200 outlets, and visiting attractions at the world’s largest shopping destination.

Reassuring members during COVID-19

With continued travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Emirates Skywards is offering its members reassurance and flexibility during this difficult time.

Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold, and Platinum members have had their tier review dates extended to enable an additional 12 months at their current status.

The loyalty program has also extended the validity of any Skywards Miles due to expire from April 2020 until March 31, 2021. Members can also redeem Miles up to 11 months in advance for an extensive range of rewards.*

More than 50 industry awards in 20 years

As a pioneer in the industry – Emirates Skywards has scooped more than 50 awards over the past 20 years including Best Frequent Flyer Program from Business Traveller Middle East (2019) and Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Program from World Travel Awards (2019). This year, Emirates Skywards was ranked top 10 Best Frequent Flyer Program by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice 2020 – recognized for its industry-leading initiatives and innovative product offerings.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com/skywards.

*Terms and conditions apply

By Alithea De Jesus

United Arab Emirates flag carrier Emirates airlines announced the resumption of passenger services to Clark with six weekly flights from August 1, boosting its global network to 68 destinations in August and connecting customers to Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

With the resumption of flights to Clark, Emirates will now operate with scheduled services to two gateways in the Philippines, with services to Manila being in operation since June 11 with daily flights. Furthermore, the network of destinations that it now serves in South East and East Asia has reached 13, across ten countries and territories. 

All flights to Clark will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER and are scheduled at two convenient timings per week to meet customers’ travel needs. 

Flights between Clark and Dubai will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays as EK2520, which departs Dubai at 02:55 and arrives at Clark International Airport at 15:45, while EK338 will depart Clark at 17:15 and is scheduled to arrive in Dubai at 21:40. Flights to Clark on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will operate as EK2572 and will depart Dubai at 04:50 and arrive in Clark at 17:40. On the same days, the return flights to Dubai, operating as EK338, will depart Clark at 19:10 to arrive in Dubai at 23:35.

Dubai is open: Customers from across Emirates’ network can now travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for business and leisure visitors with new air travel protocols that safeguard the health and safety of visitors and communities. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai, visit: www.emirates.com/flytoDubai

Free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs: Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover all COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel.

This cover is offered by Emirates free of cost to its customers regardless of class of travel or destination. It is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until October 31, 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before October 31, 2020), and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination.

Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilize this cover provided by Emirates.

Any impacted customer who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel simply has to contact a dedicated hotline to avail of assistance and cover.

The hotline number, and details of what COVID-19 related expenses are covered, is available on www.emirates.com/COVID19assistance.

Flexibility and assurance: With the gradual re-opening of borders over the summer, Emirates has revised its booking policies to offer customers more flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 related flight or travel restrictions can simply hold on to their ticket which will be valid for 24 months and rebook to fly at a later time; request travel vouchers to offset against future Emirates purchases or request refunds via an online form on Emirates’ website or via their travel booking agent.

Health and safety first: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety

Travel restrictions: Customers are reminded that travel restrictions remain in place, and travelers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. Visit: www.emirates.com/travelrestrictions 

Dubai residents can check the latest travel requirements at www.emirates.com/returntoDubai