The move underscores TOP’s push to diversify income beyond fuel sales by leveraging retail partnerships that enhance station profitability and customer traffic.

Under the agreement, Uncle John’s stores will be integrated into TOP’s full-service Tier 1 Light Fuels stations, offering motorists and nearby communities access to ready-to-eat meals and daily essentials alongside fuel services.

“Our partnership with Robinsons Retail elevates the Light Fuels experience by combining mobility and everyday convenience in one location,” said Eugene Erik Lapasaran Lim, chairman, president, and CEO of TOP. “With Uncle John’s as our anchor tenant, we expect stronger foot traffic and diversified income through non-fuel sales and leasing.”

The collaboration also supports Uncle John’s expansion strategy, particularly in underserved provincial areas where many of TOP’s stations are located.

“Many of our stations are located in underserved areas in the provinces. Through this collaboration, we are making everyday essentials—both fuel and convenience retail—more accessible to consumers across the Visayas,” Lim added.

Tier 1 Light Fuels stations are designed as full-service sites with dedicated commercial spaces for convenience stores, food outlets, and other retail tenants. Located along key transport corridors and high-traffic areas, these stations are positioned to generate steady demand for both fuel and ancillary retail offerings.

TOP currently operates 18 service stations, with 32 more under construction or renovation and scheduled for phased completion through 2026. The rollout of Uncle John’s stores will be carried out progressively as new sites become operational.

The award, conferred on December 10, 2025, affirms Light Fuels’ consistent adherence to DOE standards on product quality, safety, operational discipline, and customer service. For TOP, the recognition signals reduced regulatory execution risk as the company accelerates its footprint in the Visayas fuel retail market.

From an investor standpoint, regulatory credibility is a critical enabler of scalable growth in the downstream energy sector. The DOE citation is expected to facilitate smoother coordination with regulators, particularly in routine compliance reviews and in securing permits, accreditations, and approvals for new stations and site upgrades—key factors that influence rollout timelines, capital efficiency, and return on invested capital.

“Having commenced operations just five years ago, this recognition affirms that our systems, processes, and operating discipline are aligned with regulatory expectations,” said Brigitte Carmel Lapasaran Lim, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of TOP. “As we continue to upgrade acquired sites and expand our network, the award further strengthens our engagement with regulators and supports a more efficient permitting process.”

Light Fuels’ focus on underserved market segments in the Visayas allows the group to build volume-led growth while maintaining compliance-led operations—an approach that supports stable cash generation and mitigates operational disruptions common in fuel retail.

Light Fuels currently has more than 50 stations in various stages of development, forming a core component of TOP’s vertical integration strategy in downstream fuel distribution. As network scale increases, management expects operating leverage and regulatory alignment to further enhance the sustainability of earnings growth.

Strengthening Engineering Education in Cebu

In October 2025, MPA formalized new collaborations with two of Cebu’s leading engineering institutions—the University of San Carlos (USC) and Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT University)—to better align academic training with the evolving needs of the energy sector.

The partnership with USC, signed on October 27, 2025, covers training programs, sustainability-focused research initiatives, and industry immersion opportunities. USC President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD said the collaboration represents a shared investment in innovation, energy security, and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, the agreement with CIT University, signed on October 24, 2025, focuses on workshops, knowledge-sharing activities, and practical exposure designed to prepare engineering students for careers in the power and energy industry.

“These partnerships underscore our commitment to building a strong pipeline of industry-ready professionals in the Visayas,” said MPA Executive Director Ian Chester V. Colorina. “By combining academic rigor with industry expertise, we aim to produce graduates who are not just job-ready, but future-ready.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Beyond higher education, MPA is also investing in the early development of future scientists and engineers through the Young Engineers and Scientists Summit (YESS).

The Visayas leg of YESS was held on October 8, 2025, at the Innovation Center of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) in Iloilo, gathering 90 outstanding students from Philippine Science High School, Angelicum School Iloilo, and Leganes National High School.

MGEN President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio emphasized the importance of nurturing future innovators in the power industry, as students participated in panel discussions and talks on purpose-driven careers, innovation frameworks, and opportunities in the energy sector. A highlight of the event was the keynote address of Filipino inventor Mark Kennedy Bantugon, who shared his journey in developing Pili Seal, a sustainable aircraft sealant, underscoring how innovation anchored on purpose can create lasting impact.
The Iloilo summit also marked a milestone under MPA’s collaboration with MGEN to establish a Center for Innovation in the Visayas.

Expanding Youth Engagement in Mindanao

MPA brought YESS 2025 to Iligan City on November 7, 2025, in partnership with the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). Nearly a thousand junior and senior high school students from various public and private schools across Iligan attended the half-day summit at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium.

MSU-IIT Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan urged students to fuel their passion as they build a future not only for themselves but for the nation. The program featured talks on resilience, innovation with purpose, and career pathways in the power industry. One of the speakers, Jun Cabalhug—an MSU-IIT alumnus now working at Meralco—shared his journey from aspiring student to energy professional, highlighting the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.
An interactive panel discussion capped the event, allowing students to engage directly with speakers and explore future possibilities in science, engineering, and energy innovation.

Building a Sustainable Energy Talent Pipeline

MPA’s initiatives reflect a unified vision: to develop a strong, innovative, and sustainable energy workforce for the Philippines. By bridging academia, industry, and youth engagement, MPA is not only expanding its presence in the Visayas and Mindanao but also laying the groundwork for a future where Filipino engineers and scientists lead in energy innovation and sustainability.

These partnerships reinforce MPA’s expansion in the Visayas and highlight its commitment to developing a future-ready engineering workforce equipped with technical competence and industry aligned skills.

Under the agreement signed on October 27, 2025, MPA and USC will introduce joint training programs, research initiatives focused on energy and sustainability, and immersion opportunities designed to strengthen academic and industry collaboration.

“By combining USC’s rigorous academic foundation with MPA’s cutting edge industry expertise, the University is ensuring that its graduates are not just job ready but future ready. This alliance is more than an agreement; it is a shared investment in innovation, energy security, and the overall sustainable development of our nation,” USC President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD said during the signing ceremony.

On October 24, 2025, MPA also sealed an agreement with CIT University to support engineering education through specialized programs, skills development activities, and practical exposure to the energy sector. The partnership aims to prepare students for emerging industry demands and strengthen their readiness for the evolving energy landscape.

“These partnerships underscore our commitment to building a strong pipeline of industry ready professionals in the Visayas region. By working closely with leading academic institutions, we aim to provide students with hands on learning experiences that prepare them for the evolving demands of the energy sector,” MPA Executive Director Ian Chester V. Colorina said.

With its continued collaborations, MPA aims to advance innovation and excellence in engineering education across the country.

Globe services have now been fully restored in Palawan, while network restoration in the Visayas has reached 97.5 percent. Reports show full network restoration in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Bohol, Capiz, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Northern Samar, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Iloilo. Globe teams remain deployed across remaining sites to ensure full connectivity is restored as quickly as possible.

Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi (LTLCW) Sites Activated

To support residents Globe has activated additional locations to provide free calls, device charging, and WiFi access:

● Ayungon Municipal Hall, Ayungon, Negros Oriental
November 5 to 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Charging only)

● Brgy. Nicolas Brgy. Hall, Buenavista, Guimaras
November 6 to 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Charging only)

● Talisay City National High School, Talisay City, Cebu
November 6 to 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Tawag, Charging, and WiFi)

● Lobby, Consolacion Municipal Bldg, Consolacion, Cebu
November 6 to 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Tawag and WiFi)

● Brgy. Estefania Barangay Hall, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
November 6 to 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Charging only)

● Brgy. Dumlog Gym, Talisay, Cebu
November 6 to 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Tawag, Charging, and WiFi)

● Municipal Plaza, Liloan, Cebu
November 7 to 9, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Tawag, Charging, and WiFi)

● Danao City Hall, Danao City, Cebu
November 7 to 9, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Libreng Charging only)

● Canlaon City, Children’s Park, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
November 7 to 9, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

● Brgy. 3 Police Station, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental
November 7 to 9, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Relief Operations
In partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) through Brigadang Ayala, Globe continues to extend relief assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Tino. Previously, a total of 1,000 food packs were distributed to Barangay Dumlog in Talisay City and Barangay Bonbon in Cebu City. A second batch of aid was also deployed in Negros Occidental, with 400 food packs distributed in Isabela and 600 in Binalbagan. Globe remains in coordination with local governments to reach more affected families across the Visayas and Mindanao.

Further updates will be shared through GlobeICON social media pages as the situation develops.

According to the survey conducted from September 24 to 30, 2025, 56% of respondents said reducing the prices of rice and other food products should be the government’s top priority. Coming in second, 31% urged the administration to address corruption — underscoring the public’s demand for both economic relief and good governance.

The poll, which covered 1,500 respondents nationwide with a ±3% margin of error, found that concern over rising food prices cuts across regions, particularly in the Visayas (61%) and Mindanao (61%). More Filipinos in rural areas (57%) than in urban centers (54%) expressed concern over food affordability, reflecting how inflation continues to hurt lower-income households the most.

Meanwhile, corruption ranked second among Filipinos’ top concerns, with the highest share of responses from Metro Manila (45%), followed by Balance Luzon (32%) and the Visayas (31%)—indicating a widespread clamor for transparency and accountability in government spending.

“This survey highlights the urgent reality that Filipinos are still struggling to afford basic food,” said Prof. Victor Andres ‘Dindo’ Manhit, President of the Stratbase Group. “The more they cannot afford essentials like rice, the more they demand concrete reforms against corruption—issues that the President himself has repeatedly raised before the public.”

Manhit stressed that Filipinos are sending a clear message: address inflation and food insecurity while ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.

“Filipinos demand that their hard-earned taxes be put to good use—allocated to the right projects, funding essential services, and making a real difference in their lives and those of their families,” he added.

Other issues cited by respondents include education (7%) and healthcare (4%), while 3% said they were undecided.

Manhit emphasized that the findings reflect a growing public demand for responsive and ethical leadership.

“This is an opportunity for the administration to recalibrate its priorities,” he said. “Filipinos want policies that directly ease the burden of high living costs while implementing reforms to eliminate corruption.”

Top Line Business Development Corp. (PSE: TOP), a Philippine commercial fuel trader that made its public debut on April 8, 2025 at an initial offer price of ₱0.31, announced today (Tuesday, July 8, 2025) a transformative acquisition that sent its stock soaring to its ceiling price of ₱0.85—a remarkable +49.1% jump from yesterday’s close of ₱0.57.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, TOP revealed that its retail arm, Light Fuels Corporation (LFC), is entering into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Total Oil & Gas Resources Inc. (TOGRI) and Ballston Metro Corporation (BMC) to acquire a substantial portfolio of fuel retail assets for ₱180 million.

This acquisition is part of a larger ₱925 million network expansion plan, which also includes renovations, installation of automated systems, and the rollout of innovative services. Of the total expansion cost, ₱400 million will come from the company’s IPO proceeds.

“As part of our flexible strategy for expansion, we explored opportunistic acquisitions of retail fuel stations to fast-track the growth of our Light Fuels brand. This acquisition supports our broader long-term growth objectives by enabling faster market entry and operational scalability,” said Eugene Erik Lim, Chairman, President, and CEO.

The acquired assets include:

• 38 gasoline stations across Cebu, Leyte, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental—marking the company’s first expansion beyond Cebu Province;
• A two-million-liter fuel depot in San Jose, Negros Oriental, enhancing logistics in the region;
• 15 fuel tanker trucks, boosting the company’s delivery capacity; and
• Intangible assets such as a customer loyalty program with 45,000 active users and key leasehold rights.

“With the new Negros Oriental depot, additional depot space recently secured in our Mandaue terminal, and our expanded tanker fleet, we are well-positioned for rapid expansion,” said Brigitte Carmel Lim, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our systems are in place for prudent inventory management and efficient fuel deliveries to our new stations as we grow our footprint.”

The acquisition is expected to add approximately 36.5 million liters in annual liquid fuel sales volume, augmenting the company’s 2024 sales of 72.45 million liters.

“With the continued consumption and economic growth in the Visayas, this strategic acquisition strengthens our retail fuel revenue stream while complementing our robust commercial fuel trade revenues,” Mr. Lim added.

The strong market response to the announcement underscores investor confidence in the company’s aggressive but calculated expansion strategy. From its IPO price of ₱0.31 just three months ago, TOP’s stock has now nearly tripled, closing at ₱0.85.

Cebu-based TOP is active in commercial fuel trading, depot operations, and fuel retailing in the Visayas. It operates through two subsidiaries: Topline Logistics and Development Corp., focused on petroleum importation and distribution; and Light Fuels Corporation, its retail fuel brand that is now poised for wider regional impact.

TopLine Business Development Corp. is positioning itself for expansion as it prepares for its initial public offering (IPO), aiming to seize growth opportunities in fuel trading and retail.

Speaking to the media at its office in Taguig City, TopLine Chairman, President and CEO Eugene Erik Lim revealed that the company expects to raise ₱764.2 million in net proceeds from the sale of up to 2,148,440,000 primary common shares at a target offer price of up to ₱0.38 per share.

Mr. Lim explained that the adjusted allocation of proceeds will fund strategic expansion initiatives, including increasing depot capacity to meet rising fuel demand in both commercial and retail segments, improving importation processes, and expanding operations.

“We have updated our expansion plans based on feedback from potential institutional investors,” he said.

“Our focus is on growing our depot space, enhancing importation processes, and scaling operations. This will strengthen our market position, ensuring a stable fuel supply in the high-growth Central Visayas region while delivering long-term value to our shareholders,” he added.

Meanwhile, TopLine Senior Vice President and COO Brigitte Carmel C. Lim stressed the company’s core business: commercial fuel trade and distribution. She outlined how TopLine’s operational strategy is designed to address growing demand, with key customer segments including shipping, “white stations” (independent fuel retailers), transportation, construction, and manufacturing.

She also detailed operational enhancements as the company prepares for its IPO, reinforcing TopLine’s commitment to efficiency and growth.

Meanwhile, their sibling Atty. Constance Marie C. Lim, TopLine first vice president and CFO, spoke confidently of their company’s steady financial growth.

She noted how since 2021, TopLine’s revenues have climbed significantly: ₱1.2 billion in 2021, ₱2.1 billion in 2022, and ₱2.8 billion in 2023.

“In the third quarter of 2024 alone, TopLine posted ₱2.4 billion in revenue, reflecting a 12% year-on-year growth,” Atty. Lim said. “We also recorded a 19% increase in fuel volume sold, reaching 5.4 million liters in the first nine months of the year.”

TopLine’s EBITDA also surged 102% in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, closing at ₱229 million. Net income grew by 157% year-on-year over the same timeline.

Strategic Action Plans

TopLine will use part of its net proceeds to build 20 new Light Fuels stations, set to open by 2025-2026. Targeting underserved areas, the brand will roll out Express stations designed for quick motorcycle refueling. These will feature fast-service perks like motorcycle and helmet wash areas and RFID-enabled lanes for seamless transactions.

At present, Light Fuels operates four stations, while six more are under various stages of development. By the first quarter of 2025, the company aims to have 10 operational stations, including three Express locations, subject to market conditions and project timelines.

Looking ahead, TopLine targets an expanded network of 30 operational Light Fuels stations by 2026, with 20 of them funded by IPO proceeds.

Expanding Fuel Storage Capabilities

To enhance fuel storage and ensure supply stability, TopLine plans to acquire a five-million-liter fuel tanker.

A portion of the net proceeds will also go toward working capital, covering fuel stock sourced from local and international suppliers. The remainder will be used for general corporate purposes.

Meanwhile, the construction of additional depot facilities, initially outlined in the company’s prospectus last year, will be funded from external sources beyond the IPO.

“By integrating our supply chain, we’re mitigating risks, improving profit margins, and ensuring stable product quality,” Lim noted. “This operational efficiency will sustain our momentum as we continue to scale.”

IPO Timing and Market Outlook

When asked about the decision to proceed with an IPO despite global market volatility and trade tensions, Lim was unfazed.

“There’s no perfect situation — only a perfect mindset,” he said.

On the sidelines, he told THEPHILBIZNEWS that TopLine remains confident in its public offering.

“We have big plans beyond Cebu, and now is the best time to expand, given the strong economic indicators,” he said. “Investor confidence is high, and foreign policy remains inclusive, fostering trade and investment growth.”

He also pointed out the optimism among TopLine’s strategic foreign partners.

“They see our clear roadmap. We present the data, the market demand, and our overarching strategy — and it resonates with them,” Lim said. “This is the legacy we want to continue as the third generation running this business. We appreciate the media for being enablers of investment in the Philippines. Daghang salamat!”

TopLine operates across multiple sectors, including fuel, retail, real estate, ports, energy, and tech. With 45 years of business experience in Cebu, the company is now set to expand beyond the Central Visayas region.

TopLine’s target listing date is April 8, 2025, subject to approval from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the issuance of a Permit to Sell by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Apparently, this idea came into Duterte’s empty coconut obviously out of frustration with the palpable failure of his federalism form of the government.

This was part of one of many empty campaign promises that made other gullible Duterte fanatics fell for the viability of his idea hook, line, and sinker.

When the idea of federalism was being toyed Duterte thought that it can be done as easy as A, B, C or 1,2, 3. Can’t blame the old man, for a very obvious reason. He doesn’t have an iota of idea what federalism is all about, the nuances and dynamics of it. Hence, this was kind of frustrating for him, and would affect his image as a gift to the Philippines’ salvation. Perhaps, like his spiritual director, the FBI’s Most Wanted criminal, accused of sex trafficking of children, rape and bulk cash smuggling who has the temerity to call himself the “appointed son of God.”

The recent tirade against Bongbong Marcos and the proposal to secede Mindanao from the Philippines was not only idiotic but also unrealistic. The old man apparently has lost his sanity, whether it’s the adverse effect of senility or fentanylity, only his doctors know.

From his Economic Managers point of view, then NEDA Secretary Dr. Ernesto Pernia, and Duterte’s alleged bagman Sonny Dominguez told him it would take several years before Federalism can be implemented because there are so many issues that needed to be ironed out such as legislation, Implementing Rules and Regulations, budget, amongst others. So, federalism couldn’t not be done overnight, just like the fact that you cannot hatch an egg by hammering it!

At the onset, the proposal of Duterte’s secession already posits sedition, and if I were Bongbong Marcos’ I will send one battalion of military in his house, arrest the menace and turn him over to the International Criminal Court. For sure that would prompt jubilation to the entire nation.

But I admire Marcos for being prudent, by not dignifying Duterte’s tantrums. Equally admirable is the ever level headed and cool as a cucumber National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano who was quick to in a statement any attempt to put out the fire by saying that any attempt to secession will be dealt by the government with resolute force.” Last but not the least, I also find admirable my colleagues in the media for not dignifying and giving space to Duterte’s ala-China gambit.

Whether the secession includes Visayas and not just Mindanao is immaterial to me. But the call of Duterte to separate Mindanao from Luzon and Visayas should be dealt with legally.

To those who agreed with Duterte’s proposal, you may join him in Mindanao and be his disciples.

Luzon has more than 70% of the entire country’s GDP while the rest is from Visayas and Mindanao.

Back from the old campaign of Dutertrolls to separate Luzon from Visayas and Mindanao, this is a crazy idea given the GDP of Luzon, and/or Luzon and Visayas separating from Mindanao will not be enough to sustain the province of Mindanao. What did Duterte do to alleviate poverty in Mindanao? Apart from that, the people from Mindanao peacefully co-exist with people from Luzon and Visayas. Obviously, they left Mindanao because there were no opportunities for them. As to know why there is none, obviously because of corruption. People from Mindanao who are not entrepreneurs come to Luzon especially to Manila to look for jobs. I am sure if opportunities in Mindanao are abundant, they’d rather stay there and be with their family.

Perhaps, we should also ask Duterte about what happened to the grants given by various embassies to Mindanao? Care to answer former DOF Sec. Sonny Dominguez?

As Jeffrey Benjamin said, “True leaders unite people while false leaders divide them.”

After the successful travel mart held last year, stakeholders in the Philippine tourism industry gear up for another exciting 34th Travel Mart. Needless to say, the increase in confidence from global travelers in the post-pandemic world indicates that this year travel mart would reverse the economic slowdown and will generate more sales, something that excites and elates the entire tourism industry.

No less than, Ma. Margarita Nograles COO of the Tourism Promotions Board expressed her excitement and confidence in the success of this year’s Travel Mart and cited how tourism has been contributing to the country’s economic recovery.

This year’s PHILTOA 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is the biggest annual fair focused on promoting popular and emerging tourist destinations in the country and will take place from September 1-3, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

So whether you are looking for other local destinations to explore, the 34th Philippine Travel Mart has a lot of offerings you can choose from the almost 300 exhibitors from all 17 regions of the Philippines are participating would surely satisfy one’s desire to fulfill many of the travel bucket lists.

For her part, PHILTOA 1st Vice President, Mary Ann Ong underscored the importance of supporting local tourism in the country.

“It’s still the domestic market that is driving tourism in the country,” she said. “We can say this because of the pent-up demand for packaged tours in popular destinations like Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan. What the PHILTOA is trying to achieve by way of this fair is to entice Filipinos to discover the hidden gems such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Quirino, and Soccsksargen
(South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos). These are just some of the places that are under-the-radar but deserve to be explored, appreciated, and enjoyed,” she added.

The Travel Mart serves as a significant platform for promoting domestic tourism, and it is a testament to the power of collaboration within the travel industry. The partnership with the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) and the unwavering support from the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and media outlets enable the event’s continuous success and contribute to rebuilding and revitalizing the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu expressed gratitude to all the partners of the travel mart recognizing the important roles of all the partners.

“We are grateful for the strong partnerships with PHILTOA, the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, and our media partners,” Abling-Yu said.

“The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country’s incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry’s resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress,” she added.

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, the president of PHILTOA said, “We really make sure that the Philippine Travel Mart will continue to be the most sought tourism promotion event that fosters partnership with all the stakeholders. Like you in the media, you amplify what we do to accurate the tourism recovery of the country,” she said.

This is the reason why we collaborate with hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism offices under one roof. It is convenient and everyone looks forward to this event. It is a one-stop-shop setup that makes it easy for travel fair patrons to peruse vacation packages across the country. Visitors of the PTM will have the advantage of availing discounts and deals available only for on-the-spot bookings.

For more information, visit their website philtravelmart.com, or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages @Philtravelmart

READ RELATED STORIES: