BusinessWeek National

29/07/2026

THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON: INSIDE FRANCISCO MOTORS’ ELECTRIC REVOLUTION

Francisco Motors didn’t just launch another EV on July 27, 2026. It tried to restart a national mobility story that began in 1947 with surplus jeeps, and aimed it directly at the ASEAN transition problem: how do you electrify transport without pricing out the people who actually use it every day?

Here’s what the ELEKTRON rollout really means.

1. The Symbolism Is The Strategy
The date wasn’t random. July 27 is the birth anniversary of Jorge T. Francisco, the man behind the original post-war Jeepney conversions. By tying ELEKTRON to that date, Francisco Motors is making a clear pitch: this is not an import with a Filipino badge. It’s the same "make something practical from what we have" philosophy, now applied to batteries, AI, and software.

That matters in ASEAN. Most EV narratives here are about catching up to China, Korea, or Tesla. Francisco is arguing for a different lane: heritage-led industrialization.

2. The Product: Built For How We Actually Drive

ELEKTRON isn’t one car. It’s a three-tier line designed around Filipino use cases:
- Basic: city daily driver
- Fashion: longer range, better features
- Deluxe: dual-motor AWD, 600km+ range, positioned to compete with foreign brands on performance

Range: 400km to 600km+ per charge directly tackles the #1 EV objection in the region.
*Performance*: Deluxe AWD suggests they’re not ceding provincial/highway capability to imports.
*Design intent*: Every spec was framed around local traffic, long provincial runs, and cost sensitivity.

This is the opposite of "global model, local price." It’s "local problem, engineered solution."

3. The Ecosystem Play: Car + Software + Economy

This is where it gets interesting, and very ASEAN-relevant.

- DOMENG: An OS for the owner, not a robotaxi. It tracks maintenance, payments, routes, and OTA updates. It’s already running on test units gathering data. Think of it as fleet management for one.
- BAKBAKAN: A strategy game built into the system, drawing from Filipino planning and decision-making. On paper it’s culture-meets-tech. In practice it’s a way to keep drivers engaged with the platform daily.
- Jeepney.io: The connective tissue. Reservations, payments, service, updates in one place. No app-hopping.
- *Closed-loop value units*: Not crypto. Internal tokens meant to make transactions within the Francisco network simpler and safer.

Translation: Francisco Motors wants the relationship to last past the showroom. That’s how you survive when margins on hardware are thin.

4. Access Over Exclusivity

Instead of launching at luxury prices, they opened with the *Founder Orbit program*: 1,947 slots, ₱1,947 entry fee credited to final price. It’s a nod to 1947 and a way to bring ordinary buyers in early.

Combine that with the fleet push into public transport and government use, and the strategy is clear: get real-world mileage, prove reliability, and create volume before chasing margins.

5. The 2028 Bet: From Partner-Built to Philippine-Built
Right now, production is with established overseas partners to meet global standards quickly. The stated target: full domestic manufacturing in the Philippines by 2028, if milestones are met.

If that happens, it’s a structural shift. The Philippines moves from EV consumer to EV builder, with jobs, supply chain control, and export potential for ASEAN. If it slips, ELEKTRON risks being remembered as a well-marketed CKD project.

The difference will be ex*****on: local battery sourcing, skilled labor, and policy support.

Why This Matters For ASEAN
Most ASEAN countries are stuck between two EV paths:
1. Import cheap EVs and subsidize them
2. Wait decades for a full domestic industry

Francisco is testing path 3: *partner first, localize second, own the software and service layer always*. It’s pragmatic. It acknowledges you need global partners to start, but you don’t have to stay dependent.

For countries with strong jeepney, tuk-tuk, or micro-mobility cultures, the idea of a culturally rooted EV platform is also exportable. DOMENG and http://Jeepney.io could be licensed. The vehicle less so, the system more so.

The Open Book Approach
Francisco Motors said it will release full materials for media and creators, and will invite hands-on independent test drives once production units are ready. In a market full of vaporware and renderings, that transparency is itself news.

Bottom Line

ELEKTRON is not being sold as a miracle car. It’s being sold as the first step of a roadmap:
Heritage → Partner-built EVs now → Full Philippine production by 2028 → Connected ownership for life.

Whether it works depends on three things: hitting the 400-600km range in real traffic, delivering DOMENG without bloat, and actually moving assembly home by 2028.

But symbolically, it’s already done something important. It reminded ASEAN that electrification doesn’t have to mean erasing local identity. Sometimes it means updating it.

📷 ©: Elmer Francisco | Francisco Motors Corporation (FMC)

29/07/2026

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — P10.7-M SMUGGLED CI******ES SEIZED IN DAVAO OCCIDENTAL; 2 SUSPECTS NABBED AS GOV’T INTENSIFIES ANTI-SMUGGLING DRIVE

In one of the biggest anti-smuggling operations this year in the region, authorities confiscated P10.7 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es and arrested two individuals in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental early Sunday morning.

The CIDG Davao Occidental Provincial Field Unit conducted the joint buy-bust operation past 2:30 AM on July 26, 2026 in Sitio Bato, Brgy. Mamacao. The operation was part of *OPLAN MEGASHOPPER*, the PNP’s intensified campaign against the smuggling, manufacturing, distribution, and trading of counterfeit and illicit goods.

Seized during the operation were 310 master cases of Bosqu ci******es with an estimated total value of P10,766,300. Authorities said 16 master cases were the object of sale, while 294 master cases were for possession.

Also impounded were a Wing Van Truck and a Suzuki Every Wagon Mini Van allegedly used to transport the illegal goods. Both vehicles had no supporting legal documents.

The two suspects are now detained at CIDG Davao Occidental and will face charges for violating *RA 12022*, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act — a law aimed at curbing large-scale smuggling that undermines local agriculture and government revenue.

CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Morico II lauded the operation, saying it sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate economic sabotage. He added that the crackdown seeks to protect both consumers and legitimate businesses from substandard and untaxed products.

📷 CIDG Davao Occidental

29/07/2026

Filinvest, Vivant energy units ink 20-MW power supply agreement for contestable customers nationwide

Makati City, 24 July 2026 – FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis), a member of the Filinvest Group, has signed a Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with COREnergy, the retail electricity arm of Vivant Energy, to support the energy requirements of contestable customers nationwide.

Under the agreement, FDC Misamis, one of the largest pioneering baseload power producers in Mindanao, will provide COREnergy with a contracted capacity of 20 megawatts for a period of two years.

“This partnership with COREnergy allows us to extend the dependable power supply of FDC Misamis to more commercial and industrial customers through the retail electricity market,” said Juan Eugenio L. Roxas, President and CEO of FDC Misamis. “The agreement reflects our shared commitment to forging strong industry partnerships and delivering reliable energy that supports business activity and economic growth.

For COREnergy, the agreement strengthens its supply portfolio, reinforcing its reliability to serve customers seeking greater control and flexibility in managing their electricity requirements. As a licensed Retail Electricity Supplier, COREnergy serves qualified contestable customers under the Retail Competition and Open Access program.

"Our customers are growing, and so is our responsibility to power that growth," said Michael Lasam, Head of Commercial Operations and Strategy at COREnergy. "This partnership with FDC Misamis adds meaningful capacity to our portfolio, giving us the flexibility to serve businesses beyond Metro Manila, with a stronger and more resilient supply portfolio. It's a step forward in delivering the Power of Choice—as more businesses, and soon more Filipinos, gain the freedom to choose their power supplier."

The partnership underscores the role of collaboration between power generators and retail electricity suppliers in broadening energy choices and improving the availability of dependable supply for consumers.

FDC Misamis owns and operates Filinvest’s flagship baseload power generation facility in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. The facility has a total capacity of 405 megawatts and has significantly contributed to the stability of the Mindanao grid since its commercial operations in 2016.

Photo caption:
Filinvest Group’s FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) and Vivant’s COREnergy sign a 20-megawatt power supply agreement to support the needs of contestable customers nationwide. The contract was signed by (left) Mr. Roderick Fernandez, VP for Project Development of FDC Utilities, Inc., the parent company of FDC Misamis, and (right) Mr. Michael Angelo Lasam, AVP and Head of Commercial Operations and Strategy of COREnergy.

# # #

About FDC Misamis Power Corporation
FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) is a subsidiary of Filinvest Group’s FDC Utilities, Inc. The company owns and operates the FDC Misamis 3 x 135 MW Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Thermal Power Plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, with a total capacity of 405 megawatts. It utilizes advanced CFB boiler technology to enhance steam generation efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions and other pollutants. Since commencing commercial operations in 2016, the facility has significantly contributed to the stability of the Mindanao grid. Currently, it supplies power to distribution utilities and industrial customers across the Philippines.

About COREnergy
Established in 2016, COREnergy is a licensed Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) of Vivant Energy, helping businesses reduce electricity costs, manage price volatility, and gain greater control over their energy through the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA). Built to make energy simple, COREnergy delivers competitive rates, transparent service, and expert guidance to help Philippine businesses improve profitability, boost operational efficiency, and focus on growth.

29/07/2026

DTI, PLDT, Smart prep Mindanao consumers

As more Filipinos embrace digital services for everyday transactions, knowing how to stay safe online has become an essential part of consumer protection. Around 500 individuals from the senior citizens, women, youth, and vendor sectors across communities in Misamis Oriental—including Initao, Naawan, and Talisayan—and Davao City have strengthened their digital safety skills through PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc.'s (Smart) sessions, conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Integrated into DTI's Consumer Education Seminars, the sessions equipped participants with practical knowledge on how to identify online scams, recognize suspicious links and fraudulent schemes, secure online transactions, and adopt responsible digital habits.

In Davao City, the seminars were held in Barangays Talomo, Buhangin, and Cabantian, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, and youth to learn about both consumer rights and online safety.

“We at PLDT and Smart are glad to work with DTI to bring conversations about online safety closer to communities and help more Filipinos feel confident and secure whenever they go online. Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference,” said Judee Chaves, Smart’s Mindanao Relations Head.

"DTI Misamis Oriental highly values the partnership with PLDT and Smart for its significant contribution to consumer empowerment and digital safety. Through its advocacy, PLDT and Smart serve as an important force multiplier in DTI's consumer protection efforts, extending critical cybersecurity and anti-scam education to communities. By fostering greater digital awareness and responsible online behavior, PLDT and Smart help create consumers who are not only informed of risks but are also capable of protecting themselves and others in an increasingly connected world," said DTI Misamis Oriental Consumer Protection Division Chief Loraine Brillantes.

Beyond cybersecurity, DTI's Consumer Education Seminars also covered key consumer protection topics, including consumer rights and responsibilities, product standards and safety, fair trade laws, and mechanisms for seeking redress. The program aims to empower Filipinos to become informed, responsible consumers who can make sound purchasing decisions and confidently assert their rights in both physical and digital marketplaces.

"We are grateful to PLDT and Smart for their partnership and for sharing essential tips on how to 'BeCyberSmart Against Scams' during our Consumer Education Seminar. Thank you for helping us keep our consumers safe and informed," said Mae Caminade, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist, DTI Davao City.

Through , PLDT and Smart continue to equip Filipinos with practical cybersecurity knowledge that enables them to navigate the digital world more safely and confidently. The initiative forms part of the PLDT Group's broader digital inclusion and cybersecurity advocacy, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting safer digital communities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through collaborations that strengthen consumer protection and digital resilience.

29/07/2026

PVAO Launches "lolo giting," official mascot to inspire the youth

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) officially introduced Lolo Giting, its first-ever official mascot, during the flag-raising ceremony held at the PVAO Compound on July 20, 2026.

Named after the Filipino word "Giting," meaning bravery, Lolo Giting symbolizes the courage, wisdom, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Filipino veteran. Designed as a warm and approachable grandfather figure, he aims to bridge the gap between generations by making veterans' stories, values, and legacy more engaging and relatable, particularly to children and the youth.

The launch forms part of the Kagitingan Roadmap 2032, specifically its thrust to mainstream Philippine military history and strengthen national identity by promoting greater appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of Filipino veterans.

As PVAO's official mascot, Lolo Giting will serve as an ambassador for the agency's public information and educational initiatives. He will be featured in youth and children outreach programs, government service caravans, public awareness campaigns, and other engagements that promote patriotism, respect for veterans, and civic responsibility.

Through Lolo Giting, PVAO continues to explore innovative ways of preserving veterans' legacy while reinforcing its commitment to its core values of Patriotism, Integrity, Professionalism, and Solidarity, ensuring that the stories of courage and sacrifice of Filipino veterans remain relevant and inspiring for generations to come. (Philippine Veterans Affairs Office/Office of the Administrator - Public Affairs Office)

29/07/2026

Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports Bolsters Laguindingan's Long-Term Vision Thru Airport Development

As Laguindingan unveils its Masterplan 2050, ongoing improvements at Laguindingan International Airport reinforce a shared commitment to sustainable growth, regional connectivity, and long-term development.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES — Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the long-term growth of Laguindingan as municipal leaders unveiled the Laguindingan Masterplan 2050 during the 63rd Araw ng Laguindingan celebration, highlighting a shared vision of infrastructure-led development, economic opportunity, and sustainable progress for Northern Mindanao.

Presented by Municipal Mayor Atty. Roy I. Macua during his State of the Municipality Address (SOMA), the 25-year development roadmap outlines strategies to harmonize infrastructure development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and transparent governance while strengthening Laguindingan's role as an emerging regional hub.

As the operator of Laguindingan International Airport, Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corporation (ALAC) welcomed the municipality's long-term vision, recognizing the airport's important role in enabling tourism, trade, investment, and regional connectivity that will support the community's continued growth.

During the celebration, ALAC also received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Municipal Government of Laguindingan in recognition of its timely tax compliance, earning distinction as one of the municipality's Top Business Establishments for 2026. The recognition reflects the company's commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and the value of strong public-private partnerships in supporting local development.

Since assuming operations in 2025, Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports has been implementing a series of operational and passenger experience improvements at Laguindingan International Airport. These include terminal enhancements, upgraded passenger facilities, improved wayfinding, expanded customer assistance services, strengthened operational systems, and specialized international training for technical personnel to further enhance safety, reliability, and operational readiness.

These improvements form part of a broader modernization program aimed at delivering a more seamless airport experience while strengthening the airport's capacity to support increasing passenger demand and regional economic activity.

Looking ahead, Laguindingan International Airport will continue to undergo phased improvements as part of its long-term development roadmap. Planned initiatives include further terminal enhancements, modernization of airport systems and facilities, expanded commercial spaces, digital innovations, and operational upgrades that will improve efficiency, elevate the passenger experience, and prepare the airport for future growth.

The municipality's Masterplan 2050 recognizes that sustainable development is achieved through strong collaboration among local government, national agencies, the private sector, and the community. The continued modernization of Laguindingan International Airport complements this vision by strengthening Northern Mindanao's connectivity, supporting tourism and investment, and improving access to opportunities across the region.

As Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports continues to work alongside the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Municipal Government of Laguindingan, and other stakeholders, the airport remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful and lasting benefits for travelers, local communities, and the region's long-term development.

# # #

About Laguindingan International Airport
Laguindingan International Airport (ACC: LIA; IATA: CGY; ICAO: RPMY) is the main gateway to Northern Mindanao, serving the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon. Strategically located in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, the airport connects one of the Philippines’ most dynamic regions to key domestic and international destinations. LIA is fully owned and managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure investment platform of the Aboitiz Group founded in 2015, which develops and operates critical assets across airports, water and wastewater, and digital infrastructure.
Opened in June 2013, the airport replaced the old Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, offering modern facilities designed to accommodate the region’s growing passenger and cargo demands. As part of AIC Airports’s assets, LIA is positioned to be a key regional hub supporting Mindanao’s trade, tourism, and economic development.

29/07/2026

Ancillary services push transmission rates up in July 2026 electric bills

Power consumers may see a slight increase in transmission rates reflected in their July 2026 electricity bills due to an increase in ancillary service (AS) rates.hi by l

Overall, the equivalent average transmission rate for the June 2026 billing period to be billed by distribution utilities and electric cooperatives this July increased by 0.77% to PhP1.4604/kWh, up from May’s PhP1.4492/kWh.

AS rates – pass-through costs for power supplied by power generators who are AS providers during supply-demand imbalance – increased by 10.18%, from PhP 0.7220/kWh in May to PhP0.7955/kWh in June.

NGCP emphasized that it does not earn from AS and does not benefit from any change in AS prices, as these are remitted directly to generation companies with bilateral contracts with NGCP, and to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) for AS sourced from the Reserve Market.

Meanwhile, NGCP’s transmission wheeling rate, or the fee for delivering power through the transmission grid decreased to PhP0.5058/kWh in June from PhP 0.5607/kWh in May.

NGCP reiterates that bulk of the overall transmission rate still comprises of charges for Ancillary Services.

“As the system operator, NGCP’s priority is to ensure the grid remains resilient during supply-demand imbalances. NGCP does not profit from AS charges, as these are remitted directly to the providers who help us maintain the continuous flow of electricity across the country,” NGCP said. # # #

29/07/2026

PLDT/Smart help CDO, MisOr LGUs bring AI into public service

Artificial intelligence is finding practical use in the day-to-day work of Cagayan de Oro City government employees through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program.

Building on its participation in an AI for LGUs training conducted by PLDT and Smart, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro conducted its own AI orientation for employees across its offices, helping them discover practical ways to use the technology in their everyday work—from drafting memoranda and preparing communications to creating other office documents using AI.

"The biggest lesson for our employees was realizing that getting better results from AI starts with asking better questions," said MJ Meca, Assistant Department Manager of the City Management Information Systems and Innovation Department (CMISID) of the Cagayan de Oro City Government. "As they learned how to write more effective prompts, they also became more confident using AI to support their day-to-day work."

Launched in 2025, AI-in-a-Box is the PLDT Group's initiative to help bring artificial intelligence closer to communities by combining digital tools, connectivity, and training to help them explore practical applications of emerging technologies in their work.

As part of the initiative, PLDT and Smart, with support from its social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), recently turned over AI-in-a-Box kits to the local government units of Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental. Each kit includes a laptop, Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi, a mobile phone, initial Smart Prepaid load cards, and premium access to AI tools, designed to help partner LGUs integrate AI into day-to-day operations and support more efficient public service delivery.

"The goal is to help LGUs use AI effectively and responsibly, while showing how it can empower government offices to serve their communities better," said Roby Alampay, Head of PLDT and Smart's Public Engagement Group. "We also hope to encourage local governments to adopt a more strategic approach to AI so they can maximize its benefits across different programs and services."

The AI-in-a-Box turnover followed PLDT and Smart’s AI training last April where government employees learned the practical, safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI in the workplace. The session also guided participants on how to craft effective prompts, assess AI-generated outputs, and use the technology responsibly in a government setting.

The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental also recognized the value of combining AI tools with practical training to help strengthen government operations and improve the quality of work outputs. "The training helped us maximize AI by teaching us how to write better prompts, resulting in outputs that are more accurate, relevant, and useful for our work," said Engr. Candido B. Balaba Jr., Head of the Project Monitoring and Inspection System of Misamis Oriental.

Through AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart are bringing practical AI tools, connectivity, and capacity-building support closer to local governments as they explore how technology can help make public service more efficient, responsive, and accessible.

These efforts form part of PLDT and Smart's advocacy and the Group’s broader commitment to advance digital inclusion, strengthen local digital capabilities, and encourage innovation in public service, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. [END]

28/07/2026

28/07/2026

Beauty Care: Building Skills for Personal Care and Entrepreneurship

By : Chelsi B. Trasmonte

Beauty Care is a practical strand under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track that trains students in the skills needed to provide personal grooming and wellness services. It covers a wide range of areas, including basic hairstyling, skin care, manicure and pedicure, and other salon-related services.

The subject places strong emphasis on proper sanitation, hygiene, and safety since Beauty Care professionals work closely with clients and must ensure that all tools, products, and techniques used are safe and sanitary. Students also learn how to use different beauty tools and products correctly, as well as how to communicate professionally and deliver good customer service, since client satisfaction is central to this line of work.

Beyond the technical know-how, Beauty Care nurtures an entrepreneurial spirit. Many students who take this subject eventually manage their own small salons, offer freelance beauty services, or work in spas, salons, and wellness centers. It's a field where creativity, patience, and attention to detail directly translate into a sustainable livelihood.

In today's growing wellness and beauty industry, skills learned in this subject remain highly relevant and in demand. Beauty Care not only teaches students how to care for others but also builds their confidence, work ethic, and ability to run a small business skills that extend far beyond the salon chair.