“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.

“In times of global uncertainty, close collaboration among ASEAN+3 economies is more crucial than ever. By anticipating risks, sharing insights, and coordinating policy responses, member economies can navigate these challenges together,” the DOF said in a news release.

ASEAN+3 refers to the cooperation framework among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member Countries and the three East Asian countries, namely China, Japan, and South Korea. Established in 1997, ASEAN+3 aims to strengthen regional integration and build an East Asian Community.

The ASEAN+3 Finance Process serves as a platform for member economies to discuss financial and macroeconomic developments and address regional risks and challenges, the DOF said.

While each economy manages its own domestic pressures, a united regional approach is key to building resilience and safeguarding stability against external shocks.

In line with this, the DOF pushed to advance regional disaster risk financing in response to climate-related challenges.

Member economies expressed support for continued collaboration and for creating a roadmap to boost regional resilience and preparedness, which will be further discussed at the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting (AFCDM+3) in April 2026.

This vision of support was evident at the second Task Force Meeting held from March 3-4, 2026, in Osaka, Japan, which was co-chaired by the DOF and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), together with the Japan Ministry of Finance (JMOF) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ).

International Finance Group (IFG) Assistant Secretary Donalyn U. Minimo, who co-chaired the meeting, said that recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting volatility in oil and LNG prices have direct impacts on fiscal space, economic growth, and livelihoods.

Member economies likewise supported ongoing discussions on the DOF-championed Sovereign Asset and Fiscal Empowerment (SAFE) Facility, which embeds disaster insurance directly into development projects financed by bilateral and multilateral partners.

The DOF also continued to advance the Philippines- and Japan-led ASEAN+3 Fiscal Exchange, a platform for Finance Ministries to share best practices and insights, strengthening collective regional resilience.

The Philippines is Chair of the 2026 ASEAN, with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

The award was announced at the 2026 Overseas Korean Cultural Center Directors and Cultural Attachés Conference, held from March 10 to 13 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea. The annual gathering brings together directors and cultural attachés from Korean Cultural Centers worldwide to share best practices, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and plan initiatives to promote Korean culture abroad.

Among numerous centers globally, KCC Philippines was one of only six institutions recognized for its exceptional performance, innovative programs, and meaningful cultural impact. The accolade reflects the Center’s ongoing efforts to connect Filipinos with Korean culture through initiatives spanning arts, language, cuisine, film, and lifestyle.

KCC Director Kim Myeongjin expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the Center’s mission moving forward:

“This recognition is a meaningful reminder of the strong cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines. We share this achievement with our Filipino partners and audiences, and it inspires us to continue creating programs that bring our cultures closer together.”

Over the past year, KCC Philippines has expanded its reach with dynamic programs for K-pop and K-drama fans, students, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. Its initiatives have celebrated Korean culture while fostering deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Looking ahead, the Center will build on this milestone with its 2026 “Culture in Motion” program series. The lineup promises regional festivals, new exhibitions, and performances designed to bring Korean culture to communities across the Philippines, engaging audiences in creative and inspiring ways.

As KCC Philippines continues to grow, this recognition marks not just a milestone but a motivation—to keep culture moving, connect people, and create shared experiences that transcend borders.

“Through K-pop, one of the most representative forms of Korean culture, people around the world are becoming friends and learning to understand one another. I hope today’s event serves as a meaningful opportunity for us to appreciate each other’s cultures and build friendships.”

Her presence underscored the enduring strength of Korea–Philippines relations and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in deepening bilateral engagement.

With roaring cheers, dynamic performances, and an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm, “Everyone’s KPOP: Battle of the Champions” proved to be more than a competition. It was a celebration of shared creativity and a testament to the Philippines’ vibrant place within the global K-pop community.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (December 10) led the groundbreaking of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Complex (KAMIC) in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, positioning the project as a cornerstone of the government’s drive to modernize agriculture and raise farm productivity.

Despite being a major producer of rice and other staples, the Philippines remains under-mechanized compared with regional peers, with many farmers relying on imported tractors, seeders, and harvesters that are costly to purchase and maintain. Delays in spare parts and after-sales servicing have also raised operating costs and downtime for farmers, particularly smallholders.

During the ceremony at the Kalikid Golf Course, Marcos acknowledged the sacrifices endured by Filipino farmers, stressing that their “struggles deserve solutions that are lasting and within reach.”

“The KAMIC is the first agricultural machinery production complex in the country. Its purpose is to strengthen our capacity to develop and build farm machinery,” the President said.

“Designed with Filipino farmers in mind, these tools will help increase production, improve crop quality, and ultimately raise the income of our farmers,” he added.

By shifting part of the agricultural machinery supply chain onshore, the project is expected to ease chronic bottlenecks in farm operations, including delays in spare parts and the high cost of imported equipment.

“With KAMIC, farmers no longer have to wait for parts for their equipment or pay for overpriced equipment,” he said.

“No more farmers left behind in farming technology. The importance of mechanization in agriculture cannot be overstressed,” the President added.

The President also thanked South Korea for investing in the country and gave assurances that the government would safeguard foreign investments.

“To our Korean partners, thank you for believing that the Philippines is worth investing in. Thank you also for trusting the Filipino farmer and for taking part in our shared progress. Our partnership together brings technology and hope to these individuals who nourish and sustain us,” he said.

“I assure you that the government will continue to promote policies to protect your investments here in the Philippines.”

The KAMIC facility will rise on a 20-hectare local government-owned site in Barangay Kalikid Sur and will assemble and manufacture farm equipment such as tractors and seeders tailored to Philippine conditions.

Beyond supplying machinery, the complex is expected to support skills development, technology transfer, and after-sales servicing—key elements often missing in an import-dependent system.

For policymakers and industry players, the project signals a shift from piecemeal mechanization support toward building a domestic manufacturing base, with the potential to lower costs, improve farm efficiency, and strengthen food security over the long term.

Convened ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), the AMM carried the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow Together,” underscoring this year’s priorities under the Republic of Korea’s chairmanship—Connect, Innovate, and Prosper.

Ministers recognized the profound structural and technological transformations reshaping the global economy, emphasizing the need for deeper cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital trade, and green innovation to drive sustainable growth.

Representing the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty co-led the delegation as the country’s Foreign Minister and Alternate Minister Responsible for Trade, respectively.

Speaking on behalf of DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Undersecretary Gepty underscored the importance of resilient and innovative supply chains in ensuring regional stability and inclusive prosperity.

“Building resilient supply chains is now a prerequisite for stability, security, and inclusive growth,” Gepty said. “The Philippines supports APEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience through innovation, promote trusted and interoperable digital ecosystems, and revitalize the multilateral trading system.”

The AMM, which concludes the series of sectoral ministerial meetings held throughout the APEC year, sets the tone for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to be attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 31 and November 1.

As APEC 2025 Chair, Korea is spearheading efforts to deliver key outcomes, particularly in developing frameworks on artificial intelligence governance and demographic change to ensure the region’s long-term competitiveness and social resilience.

For the Philippines, the AMM discussions resonate strongly with the government’s drive to advance digital transformation, inclusive trade, and innovation-led growth. Strengthening regional collaboration in these areas is expected to open new pathways for Filipino enterprises, workers, and communities to thrive in the evolving Asia-Pacific economy.

Carrying the theme “Resilience in Practice: EMS Collaboration and Multi-Sector Approach,” the symposium concluded A-PAD’s three-year initiative on emergency preparedness, volunteer engagement, and emergency medical services (EMS) capacity development, which was implemented under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.

The event brought together representatives from national and local government agencies, international partners, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, providing a platform to share best practices, deepen cooperation, and reinforce multi-sector and cross-border partnerships.

In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their active collaboration and highlighted the vital role of reliable medical and emergency systems in times of crisis. He further noted, “Just as calamities know no boundaries, so too must our capabilities to address them. With cross-border platforms such as A-PAD, disaster management can be a more effective equalizer in facing risks.”

Since its establishment in 2012, A-PAD has served as a regional framework for cooperation on disaster prevention and humanitarian relief, bringing together governments, the private sector, and civil society to ensure rapid and coordinated response in emergencies. Its network currently includes Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

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.

One of the key highlights of the trip was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Meralco Power Academy (MPA) and the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS). Beginning March 2026, Filipino scholars will train at KINGS under Meralco’s Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program, giving them access to industry-integrated curricula, live plant data, simulators, and advanced reactor management systems.

Meralco also deepened its partnership with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to explore smart grid modernization and energy transition strategies. The discussions covered advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) rollout, grid automation, data analytics, distributed energy integration, and storm hardening solutions—all critical to modernizing the Philippines’ energy landscape.

In parallel, Meralco is looking ahead with future-ready technologies. An agreement with DL Engineering & Construction was signed to study the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the country, including feasibility studies and site assessments. SMRs are seen as a promising solution to meet the energy needs of off-grid areas and ensure reliable, low-carbon power supply.

To further strengthen bilateral knowledge-sharing, MPA will host over 20 Korean students from KEPCO’s Sudo Electric Technical High School in early 2026, continuing a cultural and technical immersion program that has already brought 71 students to the Philippines since 2023.

Meralco’s delegation also visited South Korean partners including Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), Samsung C&T Corporation, and LG Energy Solutions—whose Namwon Substation hosts the country’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)—to explore additional synergies in energy innovation.

“Our strategic engagements in South Korea underscore our commitment to the responsible development of nuclear energy. By learning from global leaders with institutional expertise and operational experience, we are strengthening the Philippines’ capability to adopt nuclear power safely and sustainably,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“The insights and best practices we’ve gained will not only fortify our NEST program but also contribute to the country’s long-term energy security, while ensuring the welfare of every Filipino,” he added.

Through its NEST program, Meralco continues to pursue a multi-track approach that evaluates all viable pathways for nuclear integration into the Philippine energy mix—positioning nuclear power as a long-term, low-carbon energy solution to support national development.

This exciting competition is part of the 2025 Korean Film Festival, an annual celebration of Korean cinema that brings heartwarming stories and world-class films to Filipino audiences. This year, KCC is raising the stakes by inviting young storytellers to step behind the camera and show the world their take on “Korea in the Philippines” — the perfect theme to capture the shared ties between two nations.

And the best part? The winning filmmaker won’t just see their work on the big screen during the KFF’s regular screening — they’ll also pack their bags for Busan, for a first-hand experience of one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals!

“This competition is more than just a contest — it’s an invitation for students to tell stories that connect cultures, spark conversations, and maybe even launch their future in film,” said KCC Director Kim Myeongjin. “And with Busan as the destination, the journey from script to screen just got even more exciting!”

So whether you’re a one-person film crew or rolling deep with your creative squad, this is your moment to call “Action!” Interested participants can fill out the application form (bit.ly/ReelConnectionsApplication) and the submission form (bit.ly/ReelConnectionsSubmission) for the film entry.

Deadline of the application is on June 30, 2025.

🎬 Your story starts here — and a trip to Busan awaits!