Informer Newspaper Publishing

21/09/2025

DOST to establish doppler radar station in Battan
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
14 September 2025

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to establish a Doppler radar station in Abucay town to enhance disaster preparedness in Bataan.

20/09/2025

Tarlac coop gets solar irrigation trailer unit
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
20 September 2025

SAN MANUEL, Tarlac — The Pagbiagan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMC) located in this northernmost town in Tarlac has received a solar irrigation trailer unit from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

19/09/2025

SM Cares Brings Movies for the Blind of Life

SM Megamall’s Cinema 3 was filled with over 700 members of the visually impaired community, their families, advocates, and supporters for the culminating event of Movies for the Blind 2025, held in celebration of White Cane Day.

Led by Project ADAM (Audio Description Awareness Movement) in partnership with SM Cares, SM Cinema, GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, Hit Productions, and Quantum Post, the event featured the specially curated, audio-described film “Firefly”, making the movie experience fully accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences.

Observed every August in the Philippines under Republic Act 6759, White Cane Day honors the achievements and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired, and promotes the white cane as a symbol of their autonomy and mobility.

“Accessible cinema is more than providing technology—it’s about opening spaces where everyone can experience the magic of storytelling together,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.

“Audio description is more than narration—it’s a bridge to culture, emotion, and belonging,” added Mr. Ronnel Del Rio, Convenor of Project ADAM.

The program also included welcome remarks from Mr. Eliseo dela Paz, President of the Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC), and inspirational messages from partners advocating for a more inclusive society.

“When persons with visual impairment are given access to the same experiences as everyone else, we are not just included---we are empowered. This event proves that with the right partnerships, accessibility can become the norm, not the exception,” said dela Paz.

Movies for the Blind 2025 has successfully expanded to other regions earlier this year. On March 22, 2025, the event was held at SM City Calamba with 400 attendees, SM City Legazpi with 109 attendees, and SM City Davao with 400 attendees. It continued on April 26, 2025, reaching SM City Cebu with 100 attendees and SM City Baguio with 350 attendees.

Through initiatives like this, SM Cares, reinforces its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by promoting accessibility in media and public spaces.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls ---- one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.

16/09/2025

The wait is over! Santa and the HoliSquad are here to kick off the 100 Days of Christmas with fun, cheer, and all things merry at SM Supermalls.

Let the holiday countdown begin! 🎄💫

12/09/2025

SM joins the 3rd quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

SM City Tarlac with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), conducted the 3rd quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 11, 2025, at 4 pm, during mall hours.

The activity led by SM Supermalls aims to test the response capability of the mall’s personnel. Evacuation and rescue drill simulations, participated by employees, tenants, and customers were carried out to increase and strengthen the mall’s Emergency Response Team preparedness and coordination among tasked units.

Topics like worst-case scenarios during earthquake, evacuation routes, and first aid treatment were acted out to build contingency plans when the quake strikes.

SM’s continuous support for this activity aims to enhance the preparatory measures of frontliners during a disaster and to provide timely and relevant information to the public.

11/09/2025

Aurora agri sector gets solar irrigation tech
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
12 September 2025

FIVE farmers’ associations in Aurora are set to enhance their capacity in sustainable agriculture through solar-powered irrigation technology introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Decoliat Multi-Agri Commodity Farmers Association, San Joaquin Farmers Association, Bianoan New Generations Farmers Association, Imulat Lowland Upland Farmers Association, and the provincial government of Aurora were named to get the said technology.

Each unit amounts to P165,000 and will strengthen the farmers’ ability to secure water access and reduce production costs.

DOST Aurora Science Research Specialist Regine Maines-Agumboy noted the project falls under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which aims to lower farmers’ production expenses while ensuring steady irrigation.

“It will help reduce expenses since diesel or electric pumps will no longer be needed. Being mobile, the units can also be shared among members who require them,” she said.

Each system can operate for up to eight hours under sufficient sunlight and has a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic meters per hour, enough to irrigate about half a hectare every hour.

Farmer-beneficiaries will then undergo training on operation and maintenance before the turnover of the equipment to ensure sustainability of the program, according to Agumboy, noting that farmers are the ones to operate the units, take responsibility for their upkeep, and ensure safekeeping.

“DOST will also conduct regular monitoring as part of the implementation to ensure the equipment remains functional and that sufficient irrigation water is available for production,” she added.

The CEST program provides technology-based livelihood projects and promotes innovation in education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, and industry development.

Through the initiative, the government reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices, reducing production costs, and strengthening the productivity of smallholder farmers in the province. JERRY M. HERNANDEZ, The Manila Times , 12 September 2025

FIVE farmers’ associations in Aurora are set to enhance their capacity in sustainable agriculture through solar-powered irrigation technology introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

10/09/2025

BCDA taps India-based firm to strengthen digital infra
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
11 September 2025

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has tapped the expertise of Global telecommunications technology firm iSON Tower Ltd., Inc. to accelerate the digital transformation across its properties.

This came after BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang and iSON Tower Founder and Chairman Vivek Gupta signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will ensure faster, more reliable, and more affordable digital connectivity for Filipinos.

Witnessed by BCDA Chairman Hilario Paredes and iSON Tower Country Manager for the Philippines Rahul Singh, the signing of the agreement was aimed at collaborating on project preparation studies for passive telecommunication infrastructure and related projects in the Philippine firm’s economic zones.

Bingcang said BCDA’s partnership with the Indian firm will deliver transformative development in their ecozones, particularly New Clark City (NCC) in Tarlac, Camp John Hay (CJH) in Baguio City, Poro Point (PP) in La Union, Morong Discovery Park (MDP) in Bataan, and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.

“This will pave the way to faster, more reliable digital services within the BCDA’s properties, helping locators thrive and improving residents’ everyday convenience and quality of life,” he added.

Notably, BCDA said that the partnership was a direct result of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent state visit to India, which strengthened ties and facilitated new collaborations in digital infrastructure between the two countries.

Under the MOU, iSON Tower will share its technical expertise and take the lead in conducting technical assessments, feasibility studies, and business case preparation to come up with recommendations for the development, implementation and construction of passive telecommunication infrastructure and related services.

The agreement will set the stage for the development of common telecommunication towers in key areas, including but not limited to NCC, CJH, PP Freeport Zone, MDP, and BGC, with iSON bringing its global expertise in building robust and secure digital networks.

“I’m so glad to have this opportunity to sign this MOU to make sure that every Filipino has digital connectivity. Whether it’s an institution, a development area, or a common man on the street, everybody is entitled to 4G, 5G connectivity and moving forward,” Gupta said.

Paredes said BCDA’s partnership with iSON Tower supports its vision to develop smart, future-ready communities that drive innovation and attract high-impact investments in technology-driven industries, in turn empowering local communities and catalyzing sustainable economic growth.

BCDA is part of the government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) by helping strengthen digital infrastructure across the country, together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and has contributed to the completion of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure and the implementation of the National Fiber Backbone Program.

On the other hand, iSON Towers — a subsidiary of India-based iSON Group — is accredited by DICT to provide common towers in the Philippines and is engaged in providing passive infrastructure solutions for network coverage and connectivity.

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has tapped the expertise of Global telecommunications technology firm iSON Tower Ltd., Inc. to accelerate the digital transformation across its properties.

10/09/2025

ECOP Kapatid Awards honors SM Supermalls for championing business continuity, sustainability

SM Supermalls was recently recognized at the 2025 Kapatiran sa Industriya (KAPATID) Awards of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), held during the National Conference of Employers at the historic Manila Hotel on July 30, 2025.

This biennial awards program, now on its 30th year, celebrates companies that exemplify responsible business conduct, industrial peace, ethical labor practices, and innovation-driven sustainability. The recognition highlights SM Supermalls’ unwavering commitment to its people, communities, and long-term business continuity—especially in the face of disruptions and evolving industry challenges.

SM Supermalls was honored for fostering a workplace anchored in trust and collaboration, its implementation of forward-looking policies to ensure employee welfare and operational resilience, and its integrated sustainability efforts that align with the values of the ECOP Kapatid Awards. SM continues to embed sustainability at the core of its operations—championing energy efficiency, solid waste management, disaster resilience, and green infrastructure across its nationwide mall network. Through its long-term sustainability roadmap, the company aims to create shared value for its stakeholders while helping build a more climate-resilient future for the country. These values include promoting inclusive work environments, powering through transitions with agility, and contributing to a sustainable future.

As ECOP celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme “Empowering Employers, Building the Nation,” SM Supermalls stands proud to be part of a collective that moves Philippine industries forward through responsible leadership and meaningful impact.

09/09/2025

PhilRice develops ‘Autoboat’ farming tractor
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
10 September 2025

AGRICULTURAL engineers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) introduced the innovative “AutoBoat” tractor designed to make land preparation more efficient, affordable and inclusive for Filipino rice farmers.

The locally fabricated prototype features a simple hand-lever steering system, making it easier to operate for older farmers, women and youth. It is inspired by boat-style tractors commonly seen in Southeast Asia.

PhilRice supervising science research specialist Jasper Tallada said that the team consistently thought of ways to simplify land preparation for farmers who prefer to avoid heavy or expensive tractors.

The AutoBoat has a 12-horsepower diesel engine, an idle clutch mechanism and a boat-shaped metal hull that allows for independent operation.

Field tests show it can reach speeds of 5 to 7 kilometers per hour, allowing it to cover 0.66 hectares per hour with an efficiency rate of 81 percent.

Compared to a conventional four-wheel tractor, which costs the same as three to four AutoBoat units, the innovation allows smallholder farmers to cut machinery investments by up to 75 percent.

PhilRice engineers are currently conducting field tests and exploring service-based models, such as leasing through local providers, to improve access and reduce ownership risks.

“By reducing labor demand and machine ownership costs, while being more inclusive to users, the AutoBoat offers a practical solution for land preparation. The team envisions incorporating remote-control electronics into the machine to further enhance its capabilities,” Tallada said.

The project has already gained recognition, with the “AutoBoat Tractor: A Novel Machine for Rice Production” winning second-best poster and third-best technical paper at the 74th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers.

AGRICULTURAL engineers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) introduced the innovative “AutoBoat” tractor designed to make land preparation more efficient, affordable and inclusive for Filipino rice farmers.

09/09/2025

SEC expands one-day registration for eligible industries
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
10 September 2025

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expanded its drive to make company registration faster and easier by enabling eligible businesses to complete the company registration process within a day.

Initially, the commission extended the list of industries allowed to avail of the one-day registration process through the One Day Submission and Electronic Registration of Companies (OneSEC) Zuper Easy Registration Online facility from 33 to 81.

In a statement, SEC Chairman Francis Lim said the expanded coverage has allowed SEC to post an increase of nearly 300 percent in the number of companies registered through OneSEC in July at 2,938 compared to only 1,014 registrations in May alone.

“Company registration marks the first step in legitimizing a business, which is why we want to make the process as easy and accessible as possible to our stakeholders,” said Lim.

“As we move to streamline the registration process, we hope to encourage more entrepreneurs to use the corporate vehicle in facilitating their business and eventually raise funds for expansion by tapping the capital market,” Lim added.

OneSEC is a subsystem of the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company, or eSPARC, that makes use of prefilled application forms to streamline the registration process.

It has allowed companies to complete the registration process in as fast as one minute and 14 seconds — from the start of the application to the receipt of a digital certificate of incorporation.

Corporations that are eligible to register via the “pass through” system include one-person corporations and regular corporations with two to 15 incorporators, board of directors and stockholders.

SEC has been ramping up programs that align with its mandate of improving the ease of doing business in the country.

To encourage more micro, small and medium enterprises to register as corporations, SEC has granted them a 20-percent discount in registration fees and up to 50-percent discount in the filing fee for those seeking to tap the capital market.

In June, it issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 6, which reduced the rates for corporate data requests by half.

The commission has also imposed strict timelines in the processing of applications for permits, licenses, registrations, certificates, clearance and other authorizations through MC 7 that included the adoption of a “deemed approved” policy should it fail to meet its own deadline for review.

“This is just the beginning. We will continue to assess our internal policies to identify the bottlenecks that we need to remove to further improve the ease of doing business, thereby reinforcing the trust and confidence of our stakeholders in our systems,” Lim said.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expanded its drive to make company registration faster and easier by enabling eligible businesses to complete the company registration process within a day.

04/09/2025

Celebrate Grandparents’ Day in the best way at SM Supermalls

Grandparents aren’t just the keepers of wisdom and life stories. They’re also our partners in fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments. This September, SM Supermalls invites you to celebrate Grandparents’ Day with a week-long fiesta of music, wellness, and family connections at Granny & Apo Fun from September 1-7, 2025.

It’s time to show our love to the coolest Lolos and Lolas in town by joining them in celebration that’s equal parts heartwarming, hip, and groovy.

Taste the love at the Granny & Apo Market
From September 1-7, stroll through a colorful cluster of stalls showcasing homemade goodies and treats crafted by grannies and their apos. It’s a celebration of love made edible, from traditional family recipes to modern twists on local favorites. Bring your appetite and support MSMEs run by families!

Snap memories at the Granny & Apo: Groove & Snap
Nothing says fun like a disco-inspired photo spot where Lolos, Lolas, and Apos can strike their best poses. With 80s retro vibes and a hint of modern flair, this is the perfect chance to glam up, groove up, and create memories that last a lifetime. Don’t forget to strike your grooviest pose and tag SM!

Sweat it out at the Granny & Apo Fitness Jam
On September 6, get ready for a one-of-a-kind fitness party featuring workouts that never go out of style---Jazzercise, Aerobics, and more. Grannies and apos alike will jam to 80s hits while breaking a sweat and breaking into laughter.

Dance your heart out in the Granny & Apo Dance Challenge
From September 1-7, it’s time for grannies to turn the tables on their apos! Join the digital-only dance challenge, where grandparents and grandkids show off their moves to iconic 80s beats. Post your dance videos and tag SM for a chance to be featured!

Play together at the Granny & Apo Arcade
Gaming knows no age! From September 1-7, grannies and apos can enjoy free arcade tokens courtesy of SM’s partner tenants. Whether it’s racing games, claw machines, or good old PacMan, it’s all about sharing laughs over the joy of play.

Give thanks at the Grannies Blessing
On September 7, cap off the celebration with a Thanksgiving Mass dedicated to all grannies---a heartfelt moment to honor their unconditional love, sacrifices, and blessings. Join and celebrate the precious grannies in your lives.

A celebration that’s groovy, heartfelt, and all about love
Grandparents’ Day at SM Supermalls is a full-on fiesta of love and fun across generations! From disco dancing arcade battles to foodie finds and family blessings, the week is bursting with energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It’s our chance to show the world that Lolos and Lolas aren’t just wise---they’re the coolest, grooviest heroes of our families.

Head over to your favorite SM Supermalls this September and make memories with the coolest Lolos and Lolas around! Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow on social media to know more.

01/09/2025

Get Ready to Spell It Out: SM Super Spelling Bee is Back for Year 2!

The buzz is back, and it is all about words! The SM Super Spelling Bee is making its much-awaited return this year, inviting young spelling champs from across the country to take the stage, test their skills, and have a whole lot of fun.

After a successful debut last year, this year’s competition brings together 40 participating SM Supermalls nationwide. From classroom word wizards to kids who simply love a good challenge, everyone is welcome to join and experience the thrill of a live spelling showdown.

This year’s edition is extra special as SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th year, a milestone that reflects its continued growth and dedication to creating spaces where families can learn, connect, and enjoy meaningful experiences. In this new era, SM Supermalls continues evolving with you, making every visit more than just a day at the mall.

“SM Supermalls has always been a happy place for kids to learn and explore,” shared Hanna Carinna T. Sy, AVP for Marketing Special Events and Leasing at SM Supermalls. “The SM Super Spelling Bee is our way of celebrating learning while giving our a chance to shine and make memories they’ll always cherish.”

The 2025 Spelling Bee Elimination Round is set to take place in seven malls in Central Luzon, offering young spellers a unique opportunity to showcase their skills in front of their local communities. The event will run from August 23 to September 20, with each mall hosting a local round of the competition.

The series kicked off on August 23 at SM City Marilao, will be followed by rounds at SM City Tarlac and SM City Bataan on September 6, SM City Clark and SM City Baliwag on September 13, and SM City Olongapo Central and SM City Grand Central on September 20.
Registration is easy—just sign up through the SM Malls Online app or proceed to the Mall Admin Office of any participating mall to submit your accomplished registration form. Check out the full list of participating malls and schedules at www.smsupermalls.com/superspellingbee.

The event is made extra special thanks to the support of National Book Store, National University, Power Mac Center, and Jollibee—partners who believe in the power of learning, reading, and giving kids the confidence to reach for their dreams.

Exciting prizes, the thrill of competition, and the chance to be crowned one of the country’s top spellers await. So whether you are a parent cheering from the sidelines, a teacher rooting for your students, or a young wordsmith ready to spell your heart out, this is your moment.

Sharpen those pencils, crack open the dictionary, and get ready to spell your way to victory!