Filipino power consumers need immediate remedies to cope with the skyrocketing fuel rates caused by the armed conflict in Iran and parts of the Middle East.
Skyrocketing cost of imported fossil fuels will soon hit every Filipino home with huge increases in electricity bills.
“If the government is serious in giving subsidies to power consumers, it should consider providing subsidies to families, and even MSMEs who opt to have solar panels installed in their rooftops,” said BenCyrus G. Ellorin, project director of the Consumers for Renewable Energy Action in Mindanao (CREAM).
Providing subsidies for households that would install solar panels in their homes is more sustainable. “It would increase the country’s energy self-sufficiency, energy security, and decrease the carbon footprint of electricity in the country,” he added.
House majority floor leader Sandro Marcos has filed House Bill No. 2700, or the proposed Free Electricity for Low-Consumption Households Act. The proposed law would exempt from paying for electricity homes that consume less than 135 kilowatt hours per month or those having a monthly electric bill below P2,000 from paying for electricity.
While the initiative of Cong. Marcos is good, our power system at the mercy of fossil fuels whose prices are volatile and intermittent. P135KwH consumption or lifeline consumption rate may be around P2,000 now, but with prices of electricity skyrocketing because of more expensive imported fossil fuels like coal and diesel, P2,000 would no longer be enough for lifeline consumers.
The country lacks energy security because 98% of its fuel needs are imported. “Ironic since we have unlimited solar energy, which can be exploited in tandem with our vast hydropower resources, which can serve as natural batteries. The country is also abundant in geothermal, wind, and biomass power,” he said.
The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513) declares as state policy energy self-reliance and reducing dependence on imported fuels. However, since the law was passed, the country’s energy self-sufficiency decreased. In 2008, 35% of the country’s electricity was produced from renewable energy sources. It has decreased to 22% now.
“When the RE Law was passed, the country’s energy self-sufficiency rate was 68%; now it is down to 52%,” Ellorin said.
In Mindanao, energy stakeholders are campaigning to reclaim the island’s dependence on renewable energy. They are pushing for parity between RE sources and fossil fuel-dependent power plants in 2030. This campaign wants Mindanao to have a faster transition to clean, affordable, and secure energy. The Philippine government targets to achieve 35% dependence on renewable energy in 2030 and 50% in 2040. #
By Mike Baños (as related by Sharina Cabaraban Domingo)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- A pioneering Kagay-anon social scientist has been honored during the closing program of the 2026 International Scientific Conference of the Philippine Population Association (PPA), where she served as President and a member of the Board of Trustees.
The PPA is the premier professional organization for demographers and social scientists in the Philippines. It serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of demographic data on critical issues such as reproductive health, internal and international migration, and changing age structures.
Held March 5, 2026, at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo) where she dedicated over five decades intersecting rigorous statistical demography with social advocacy for the grassroots, the MCC MEMORIAL FUND is dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Magdalena Canag Cabaraban and aims to fund further research into critical issues facing the Philippines today.
“The MCC Memorial Fund is a tribute to a woman who believed that data is most powerful when it is used to serve the vulnerable,” said Don Antonio Velez, Executive Assistant and PhD Sociology Candidate. “By launching this fund during the PPA International Scientific Conference, we ensure that her commitment to evidence-based policy continues to inspire researchers.”
The launch of the fund served as the cornerstone of the PPA conference with the theme INTERSECTIONS: Population, Environment, and Climate Resilience in the Philippines which brought together demographers, academics, and policymakers to discuss the “demographic dividend” and push the sustainable development agenda.
Earlier, the conference also devoted one of its breakout sessions entitled “Inside the Magdalena Archives: Embodiments, Beliefs, and Care for the Voices in the Margins” to the discussion of research topics showcasing Dr Cabaraban’s favorite social issues involving spousal health care, gendered imperatives in Filipino families, intergenerational attitudes of Filipino women on reproductive self-care, among others.
A Half-Century of Disciplined Inquiry
Dr Cabaraban began her journey in the early 1970s a student of Sociology in Xavier University graduating as Magna Cum Laude. Following the completion of two master’s degrees, she moved into graduate-level instruction.
Her early aptitude for research was recognized in 1976 by the Southeast Asia Population Research Award Program (SEAPRAP), and in 1980, she was awarded a World Health Organization (WHO) grant for advanced studies in the United States. She earned her degree in Social and Economic Statistics from George Washington University and a diploma in Data Processing Systems from the U.S. Bureau of Census before obtaining her PhD from Xavier University.
A Pillar of Mindanao Demography
Working alongside the late Fr. Francis Madigan, Dr. Cabaraban developed a mastery of Mindanao’s socio-demographic landscape that remains unparalleled. Together, they mapped the development track of the region with a precision arising from decades of immersion. Throughout her tenure, she commanded the entire technical lifecycle of research—from sampling design and instrument construction to complex statistical analysis.
From the late 1980s through 2022, her portfolio addressed the most critical social issues of our time including Governance & Peace: Mindanao autonomy and regional stability; Public Health: Malnutrition, maternal and child health, and reproductive health; Social Protection: Adolescent mental health, gender equality, and the prevention of violence against women and children; and, Environment: The human impact of climate change.
Advocacy Grounded in Data and Mentorship the Ignatian Way
Dr. Cabaraban’s scholarly work was inseparable from her advocacy. As the founder of the Women’s Forum of Region 10, she translated data into initiatives for gender sensitivity and protection. Her ability to secure funding from international bodies—including USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank—was a testament to the international community’s trust in her methodological integrity.
Her approach evolved from purely quantitative demography to a sophisticated blend of qualitative and quantitative methods. Despite her international reach, her primary devotion remained at Xavier Ateneo, where she dedicated her life to shaping the next generation of social scientists at, teaching migration analysis, inter-ethnic relations, and research methods.
FAMILY & FRIENDS AT THE DEDICATION (Left to right) Engr. Shane Cabaraban, Dr. Joy Cruz of UPPI, Dr Abi Linog, Dr Sharon Cabaraban-Linog, Dr. Grace Cruz of UPPI.
Dr. Cabaraban was an embodiment of grace and elegance in a field often defined by cold numbers. She remained a firm believer that the confluence of research, teaching, and advocacy does not just widen people’s horizons; it makes them better grounded and effective social scientists.
Family Legacy
Beyond the accolades and international grants, Dr. Cabaraban’s life was anchored by her family. She was a devoted wife to the late Henry L. Cabaraban – who served most of his life in the trial courts in Cagayan de Oro; a north star to her children: Dr. Sharon Linog, Department Head for Research of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC 10), Engr. Sheila Cabaraban, CEO and President of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Engr. Shane Cabaraban, Chairman of the Department of Engineering of Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan, Criselda Cabaraban Langstaff – a gerontology care specialist based in San Jose, California, USA; Sharina Cabaraban Domingo– CEO and President of The Pinnacle; and Atty. Shanidar Cabaraban Rossovich, a lawyer based in Portland, USA.
Dr Magdalena C. Cabaraban with her husband and children.
She raised them all with the principles of discipline, intellectual curiosity and integrity. In the Cabaraban household, education and service were not just ideals but lived values. Her children remain the living testament to her ability to balance the demanding rigors of a global scientific career with the warmth of motherly love and guidance. She moved through the world – and her home- proving that professional excellence and deep family devotion are not mutually exclusive.
“My mother believed that being a grounded social scientist required one to be a compassionate human being first. Today, we invite you to help us carry that belief forward—turning her lifetime of inquiry into a future of opportunity for those who will follow in her footsteps. Thank you for helping us keep her light, her elegance, and her mission very much alive.” – Sharina Cabaraban Domingo
Cover photo: (Left to right) PPA President Dr. Chona Echavez, Dr. Joy Cruz of UPPI, Engr. Shane Cabaraban, Dr. Sharon-Cabaraban Linog, Dr. Grace Cruz of UPPI. (unless otherwise indicated, all photos courtesy of Sharina Cabaraban-Domingo)
The most obvious things are the ones most often disregarded
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -February 25, 2026- The Philippines’ most awarded Isuzu dealership recently presented something special for its loyal clients.
“We put the spotlight on the D-MAX LT 4×4 — the most honest expression of what a pickup should be,” said Nyle B. Balasabas, General Manager of the North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc.(NMADI), which recently garnered its 9th Dealer of the Year Award (DOYA) from Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).
NMADI General Manager Nyle B. BalasabasShunsuke Yasui, Isuzu Philippines Corp. Vice President for Sales.
“For the purist at heart, this is it. A proper manual gearbox. A hardworking 4×4 system. A machine built for terrain, not trends. The D-MAX LT 4×4 doesn’t pretend to be anything else. It doesn’t need oversized chrome or unnecessary theatrics. What it offers is function. Durability. Versatility. The kind of engineering that makes you confident when the road disappears.”
“It is ever tough, dependable, and reliable—a pickup truck truly built to keep going. This event also reflects NMADI’s unwavering confidence as a champion and leader in both sales and after-sales performance across the Isuzu network., said Shunsuke Yasui, IPC VP for Sales. “Our dealerships here in Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Zamboanga Regions remain fully committed to providing world-class after-sales support and service, ensuring that both your fleets and individual vehicles stay in top condition.”
New Isuzu D-MAX: Into New Heights
Outstanding reliability is part of Isuzu’s truck DNA. The D-MAX continues a tradition of toughness that began with the Isuzu’s first ever pickup in 1963. An exceptionally high, wide, and strong workhorse, today’s D-MAX underwent the equivalent of over four million kilometers of testing during research and development, both on-road and off-road. It emerged as the toughest pickup in Isuzu’s history.
The D-MAX’s lightweight body belies improvements in occupant protection, noise and vibration, as well as in overall stability. It is engineered for easy maintenance with rock-solid rust protection and multiple maintenance-free components.
With its extended service life, the D-MAX is a rugged individual, built to keep going. Because life is too short for excuses.
Third Generation D-MAX
The third-generation D-Max was launched in the Philippines on 4 March 2021, initially offered in 1.9 Single Cab, 1.9 LT 4×2, 3.0 LT 4×4, 1.9 LS 4×2, 3.0 LS 4×2, 3.0 LS-A 4×2, 3.0 LS 4×4 and 3.0 LS-E 4×4 trim models. In July 2022, the LS trim was removed from the lineup and two new trim levels were introduced; 3.0 Single Cab 4×4 MT and 3.0 LS-A 4×4 MT.
In April 2023, the LS-E and LS-A trim levels received some feature upgrades levels such as the slightly redesigned grille and new alloy rims design. The facelifted D-Max was launched in the Philippines on 20 June 2024, and is available with five trim levels: Single Cab, LT, LS-A, LS-A Plus and LS-E.
Grant Endriga is one of only 2 Elite Truck Meisters in the entire Isuzu Philippines Dealer Network.Grant Endriga brought the house down with his presentaiton of a free D-MAX Umbrella with the D-MAX LT Workhorse.
The Lifestyle Concepts for the Isuzu D-MAX LT was presented by NMADI Sales Executive Grant Endriga, one of only two Elite Truck Meisters in the country & Top 2 Truck Elite, recognized during the DOYA 2025 held recently in Manila.
D-MAX LT in 3 Dimensions
Endriga mentioned how for the longest time the Isuzu D-MAX LT was simply regarded as a basic utility truck pick-up. As a service to its loyal patrons and new customers who intend to buy a utility vehicle, NMADI showcase a 3-dimensional concept on how the Isuzu D-MAX LT could be flexed to suit various lifestyles:
D-MAX LT Workhorse – For daily utility usage. Simple but affordable and highly reliable. Suitable for company logistics needs. Its high ground clearance addresses the common flooding often encountered by motorists all over the country.
D-MAX LT Lifestyle Concept– Suitable for techy individuals and young professionals who view the D-MAX LT not merely as a utility pickup but lifestyle convenience as well.
D-MAX LT Off-Road Adventure Concept – Suitable for adventurous adrenalin high junkies who want to maximize the capabilities of the Isuzu DMAX in worst road conditions.
This concept was created by NMADI to address the significant price increase due to the implementation of excise tax for the pick-up segment which happened last July 2025, which not only affected Isuzu but all other brands as well.
But what separates the ISUZU D-MAX LT when it’s purchased from NMADI?
Track Record: The only 9-Time DOYA Awardee of IPC with consistent Sales and Aftersales Overall Performance Awards.
Nationwide Customer Reach: Serving national fleets both in vehicle and aftersales requirements.
Sales and Aftersales Personnel Performance: with one of only two Elite Truck Meisters, two Top 2 & 7 Truck Elite awardees, recognized during the DOYA 2025 held recently in Manila.
NMADI Technician Sani James B. Maghanoy, has twice been the No. 1 Isuzu Service Technician during Isuzu Service Skills Olympics (2024/2025), has also twice represented Isuzu Team Philippines (2024/2025) at the Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, an annual global event organized by Isuzu Motors in Yokohama City, Japan, most recently with another NMADI Technician Jay Ar Alcuizar Jumawan.
Isuzu Health Report : Vehicle diagnostics which gives you data on how your vehicle is being driven such as fuel consumption, idling, brake and accelerator pedal driver habits and other factors that affects your vehicle performance. Basically a black box data recorder available upon request every time your vehicles are being serviced
The Only Isuzu Dealer in the Network with an After-Sales Department Dedicated for Fleet and Corporate Accounts. This department is separated from the retail and individual accounts.
“Our role here is simple: to sell the idea. The idea that even with the base-variant Isuzu D-MAX LT, you can practically do anything. Build with it. Travel with it. Escape with it,” GM Balasabas noted. “Transform it into your lifestyle statement — or your workhorse. This is a blank canvas on four wheels. And we invite you to use your imagination. “
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 24 — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – 10, through the Local Governance Regional Resource Center – Region 10 (LGRRC-10), conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the proposal to position and develop Northern Mindanao as a film industry production and site location hub at the DILG Regional Office 10.
The activity gathered key stakeholders from the creative industry, local government units (LGUs), media, and academic institutions to generate insights, policy recommendations, and collaborative strategies to support the development of Northern Mindanao as a competitive and sustainable film production destination.
DILG-10 RD Bruce A. Colao heads the focus group discussion. (photo courtesy of Steven PC Fernandez)
The initiative recognized the potential of the creative economy as a driver of regional growth. By promoting Northern Mindanao as a filming location, the region is expected to attract investments, stimulate local enterprises, create employment opportunities, and strengthen tourism and cultural promotion efforts.
The proposal aligns with DILG’s mandate to assist LGUs in advancing local development initiatives and enhancing economic resilience.
During the discussion, participants provided inputs on policy support mechanisms, infrastructure readiness, investment incentives, capacity-building needs, and inter-agency coordination. The exchange also identified opportunities and challenges in positioning the region within the national film production landscape.
The dialogue gathered representatives from the creative sector, academe and regional policy stakeholders to surface practical insights on industry readiness and governance alignment.
1 Filmmaker & Educator Joe Bacus was one of the active discussants during the FGD. (RMB)DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Quibranza Dimaporo stressedthe importance of creating enabling environments where creative professionals can thrive within fiscally responsible and socially responsive governance systems.
The session was enriched by the participation of Mr. Jhonny Paul Lagura, Regional Chairman of the Northern Mindanao Regional Creative Industries Development Council, Consultant on Innovation Governance and Head of the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability (CDIIS), DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Q. Dimaporo, the Integrated Performing Arts Guild delegation led by Executive Director Dr Steven P.C. Fernandez, and film makers Marcos Mamay, Joe Bacus and Jeff Balsamo.
The participants from the Film Industry pause for a memento. (RMB)
Joining them were representatives from USTP Claveria Arts and Culture, Pasundayag Community Arts & Production, Inc., Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)and CDO Journalists and Influencers, among other stakeholders from the creative sector.
Key areas explored included strengthening the full production ecosystem such as script development, animation, post production capacity, incentive structures, streamlined local processes, and inter agency coordination. Participants emphasized that positioning Northern Mindanao as a competitive production destination requires multisectoral alignment, infrastructure readiness, policy support, and measurable economic impact.
Insights gathered from the Focus Group Discussion are expected to inform strategic recommendations for advancing the regional creative economy while ensuring that growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with local governance frameworks.
The outputs of the activity will be submitted to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 10 Economic Development Committee for consideration, particularly on advancing the identification and development of potential film production sites where both international and local film industries may thrive in Northern Mindanao. (By A. Tiglao| DILG 10 CPIU & CDIIS)
Top bloggers and influencers recently were invited by the North-Min Auto Dealership Inc. (NMADI) to a Getting to Know You (GTKY) afternoon tea with its outstanding executives and employees who helped make the Cagayan de Oro based firm secure its 9thDealer of the Year Award (DOYA) from Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).
Hosted by HR Manager Jay Miguel Alacha, the casual chat was graced by Abrille Hector A. Vallar, Service Manager, and Jerson T. Manlaran, Service Technical Trainer.
Abrille Hector A. Vallar, Service ManagerJay Miguel Alacha, HR ManagerJerson T. Manlaran, Service Technical Trainer
Mr. Vallar shared how NMADI fosters a corporate culture of TEAM Excellence which encouraged the members of the Service Department to work as a team, rather than individuals. Mr. Manlaran, who has mentored NMADI technicians who performed brilliantly in the annual Isuzu Service Olympics held among IPC’s various dealers across the country, echoed a similar paradigm that was a significant factor in making NMADI a nine-time DOYA Champion.
The outstanding employees present were Sales Executive Grant Endriga (Elite Truck Meister and Top 2 Truck Elite; Sales Executive Beverlyn Ranis (Top 7 Truck Elite) in the 2025 DOYA held recently at Metro Manila,
Grant Endriga and Beverlyn Ranis in a conversation with CDO Bloggers & Influencers.
and Technician Sani James B. Maghanoy, who has twice been the No. 1 Isuzu Service Technician during Isuzu Service Skills Olympics (2024/2025); and has also twice represented Isuzu Team Philippines (2024/2025) at the Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, an annual global event organized by Isuzu Motors in Japan.
Sani James Maghanoy chatting with CDO Bloggers President Vany Barcelona.
This prestigious technical skills competition held annually among Isuzu service technicians from around the world is aimed at showcasing and elevating the standards of vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and repair across Isuzu dealerships worldwide.
Team Philippines at the 2025 Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, held at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama City, Japan last October 29, 2025
For the 2025 Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, held at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama City, Japan last October 29, 2025, Team Philippines was represented by Maghanoy and Jay Ar Alcuizar Jumawan, both from NMADI, with Joeminel Cutcharo of Isuzu Philippines as their coach. Their participation marks another milestone for NMADI and showcases the Philippines’ technical excellence in Isuzu’s international competition.
CDO Bloggers and Influencers with Ms Cheila Marie L. Agustin, NMADI Support Services Head. (photo courtesy of AwesonChenS)
Among the bloggers and influencers who joined the interaction were Vany Barcelona (MumzyVanyCDO); Chen Siwagan (AwesomeChenS); Judy Teves (BogiesWonderland); JenJacqs Agbon(NotesAfterCoffee); Ruby Caberte(TheRUBYPost); Vincent Tom Udasco (Metro CDO PH/CDODev.com); Gabriel Kent Llenas (Kentot Travels); Karen Chayne Sanchez (CDO Lifestyle); Francis N. Mansibugan Jr. (Juanderful Kagayan); Rob Gunayan (Cagayan de Oro Today); Frederick Anthony Palarca (Trip ni Tonio); and Mike Baños (Metro Cagayan de Misamis).
North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc. (NMADI) or better known as Isuzu Cagayan de Oro with Isuzu outlets in Butuan, Dipolog, Pagadian and Valencia, has cemented its status as the most decorated dealer group in the history of the Isuzu Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA), securing the prestigious title back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.
Over the years, NMADI has now been recognized nine times as Dealer of the Year, a record within the Isuzu Philippines dealer network and a testament to consistent operational excellence and strong customer focus. At the 2025 DOYA, IPC reaffirmed NMADI’s industry leadership with top placements across multiple categories, showcasing its all-round performance: Overall Dealer of the Year (2025) ; 2nd Place in Service OperationsExcellence; and, 3rd Place in Sales Operations Excellence.
NMADI General Manager Nyle B. Balasabas emphasized that the consistent performance of NMADI as IPC’s DOYA would not have been possible without the individual excellence of its team members.
For 2025, the following Individual excellence awards from NMADI staff were recognized:
• Truck Elite Meister Award : Sales Executive Grant Endriga.
• Truck Elite Award : Grant Endriga (2nd place) and Beverlyn Ranis (7th Place), underscoring NMADI’s strength in professional sales and customer servicing.
Beyond DOYA success, NMADI also excelled at the Isuzu Skills Olympics 2025, one of IPC’s flagship technical competitions aimed at elevating after-sales service standards nationwide:
• Dealer Grand Champion — top overall performance among participating dealerships.
• Technician Category Champion, with technicians whose skills have positioned them at the forefront of technical excellence.
• Two NMADI technicians, Sani James Maghanoy and Jay Ar Alcuizar Jumawan, with Joeminel Cutcharo of Isuzu Philippines as their coach, were honored as Team Philippines’ official delegates at the Japan I-1 Grand Prix Technical Skills Competition, held at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama City, Japan last October 29, 2025. Their participation marks another milestone for NMADI and showcases the Philippines’ technical excellence in Isuzu’s international competition.
“NMADI’s representation this year underscores the growing reputation of Mindanao-based dealerships in global competitions,” noted GM Balasabas. “Their journey is both a source of pride for the local community and an inspiration for future technicians.”
Earlier, Sani James Maghanoy made history by representing the Philippines and NMADI at the Isuzu World Technical Competition – Commercial Vehicle Category on October 30, 2024 in Japan. Competing with participants from 34 countries, this marked a historic first for NMADI. Joining him as observers were NMADI’s Isuzu Service Skills Olympic (ISSO) Champions, Rey Mark Lopez (Service Advisor) and, underscoring our commitment to service excellence. The following year Reynald Macagba represents NMADI in the Light Commercial Vehicle Category.
“At NMADI, we’re setting global standards in automotive service—choose us for excellence!” said GM Balasabas.
• In recognition of its longstanding collaboration and contribution to skills development, NMADI received an Appreciation Award from Isuzu Global Services Corporation during its 10th anniversary.
“Strategically, NMADI continues to be a top performer in commercial vehicle sales, maintaining the largest volume of Isuzu brand-new unit sales in Mindanao, and serving as the largest brand-new Japan truck dealer on the island — a key pillar in sustaining Isuzu’s market leadership in the region,” GM Balasabas stressed.
“These achievements occur in the broader context of Isuzu Philippines’ continued dominance as the No. 1 truck brand in the Philippines for over two decades, with IPC reporting sustained truck market leadership driven by durable products and a strong dealer network that consistently upholds the Isuzu brand promise,” he noted.
By Mike Baños (as related by Salika Maguindanao-Samad)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In the wake of the infamous Marawi Siege of 2017 which displaced thousands from this Islamic City of Mindanao, real-life couple Salika and Jardin Samad gathered together their fellow Meranaws under the banner of Maranao Collectibles.
At an evacuation center in Iligan City, it dawned upon them that the art of langkit weaving has long been suffering and slowly dying primarily because of the neglected cultural valuation of weaved products in the country. The neglect contributes to the slow production rates, high-priced products, and low income opportunities which bring financial instability to Meranaw weavers. Driven to revive this dying tradition, they humbly started their social enterprise by building makeshift equipment made of bamboo pipes and scraps and teaching the evacuees the art of langkit weaving. (British Council Philippines, 2017)
Salika shares her journey during the recent Okir Art Exhibit II (RMB)
Retracing their humble beginnings, Salika shared their journey to become one of the most respected voices in the preservation of their history, culture and identity as a people during the recent Okir Exhibit II held at a local mall in a talk dubbed “Threads of Hope: How Meranaw Women Weave Peace for Marawi’s Future.”
Woven in golden silk, yellow landap is tradionally worn by Sultans, symbolizing leadership, dignity and nobility .Red landap is the color of warriors, symbolizing courage, protection, and readiness to defend the community.Green Landap is for Imam (spiritual leaders) symbolizing faith, wisdom, and guidance, reflecting the community’s deep links to peace and spirituality.Salika Samad weaving on a traditional backstrap loom.
“If you look at the traditional Malong Landap of the Meranaw people, your eyes are immediately drawn to the Langkit—those vibrant, intricate hand-woven strips that join the panels together,” Salika said. “To the untrained eye, it is a beautiful decoration. But to the community, it is a map of our history. Across the Lake Lanao region, the Meranaw woman has served as the living loom of our civilization.”
Langkit in Meranaw History & Heritage
As an advocate for the preservation of the vanishing art and culture of Meranaw weaving, Maranao Collectibles endeavors to pass it on to the younger Meranaw generations by helping them appreciate and value its tradition.
Salika learned the intricacies of Meranaw weaving from her mother Saadira Shiek Basmala, who has been nominated by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH)-Lanao del Sur for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award, which recognizes and supports traditional folk artists. Administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), it honors masters in crafts like weaving, poetry, and performing arts who preserve indigenous heritage.
As a Cultural Bearer, she stressed how the Meranaw Weaver serves as the vital bridge and guardian of their cultural soul, at the same time demonstrating their economic resilience.
“Being a Cultural Bearer means carrying the weight of identity so it doesn’t blow away in the winds of globalization. For the Meranaw woman, this weight is carried in the mastery of Okir. She is not just a performer of the past; she is the architect of our future.”
“In Lanao, women weavers are the primary teachers of (the Okir icons) pako rabong (the growing fern) and the naga (sea serpent). These aren’t just shapes; they are a visual language of growth, power, and grace.”
Although some of the older Meranaw women still practice traditional weaving, they are few and far between since the demand and market for their products were slowly shrinking and vanishing. On the other hand, the younger Meranaws prefer to work somewhere else where prestige and pay were far better.
Intangible Artistry
Salika stresses how Meranaw weavers create their masterworks of langkit and landap without the benefit of manuals, templates and other usual tools to help them hone their craft.
“Weaving a langkit is a mathematical feat. Without written manuals, these artisans memorize complex sequences of thread. When a mother teaches her daughter to weave, she is saving a world from extinction. The malong is present at birth, at weddings, and at the end of life. By maintaining the standards of this craft, women ensure that every Meranaw, whether in Marawi or abroad, knows exactly who they are.”
Meranaw women weavers from the Maranao Collectibles meeting at the Samad residence in Marawi City.
As noted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), these traditional practices provide the social cohesion necessary for a community to thrive. The cultural preservation is not a “hobby.” In Lanao, it is a sophisticated economic driver, she added.
Artisanal Entrepreneurship
When a Meranaw woman masters the langkit, she enters the Creative Economy. A hand-woven Malong Landap is a luxury item, a piece of “slow fashion” that attracts global interest.
Salika has been recognized with the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award for her entrepreneurship, and Maranao Collectibles with the Excellence in Advocacy Award for its’ advocacy of indigenous crafts, by the National Customers’ Choice Annual Awards which honors top-performing companies, products, brands, and service providers across various categories. The awards are based on customer feedback, reflecting opinions, perceptions, awareness, and expectations related to their daily choices.
This role reached a pinnacle during the Marawi Siege and its aftermath when shops closed, homes and livelihoods lost, women used their backstrap looms to weave a way forward.
Statistics show that when a woman earns an income from her craft, she reinvests nearly all of it back into her family. Her “traditional” work pays for “modern” progress—books for school, medicine for the elderly, and food for the table.
According to reports on Post-Marawi Recovery, weaving became a lifeline, providing immediate income when other industries failed.
However, the role of a cultural bearer is increasingly difficult. They face the pressures of cheap, machine-made imitations and a lack of raw materials.
Salika said that when Maranao Collectible opened, they decided to increase the price point of their langkit pieces.
“Many weavers have stopped before because they know that it brings too little money. We have to address that because this will discourage the weavers. We leave it to the buyers if they still want to order. We explain to them that these are handicrafts and not mass-produced,” she said.
They are now able to produce 200 to 500 meters of fabric in a month, and have clientele from many parts of the country. They have also forged partnerships with distributors. (Ellao, 2020)
A Meranaw woman cultural bearer is the heartbeat of her community. Like the langkit itself, she is the “joining strip” that holds the different panels of our society together. She holds the thread of the past in one hand and the currency of the future in the other. Let us look at these weavers not just as figures of history, but as the entrepreneurs of heritage who keep our spirits—and our economies—alive.
The Jardin Hybrid Loom, invented by Jardin Samad was hailed as the Grand Winner in the Grassroots Innovation (GI) category at the 2023 Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GiCE) Expo held July 21, 2023 at the Heritage Hotel Manila, Pasay City. It is a sleek, sophisticated, and portable backstrap loom that features elevated seating, reducing strain on the weaver’s legs and allowing for better, more comfortable, and more efficient production, specifically designed to address the physical pain and discomfort experienced by traditional langkit weavers who typically work on the floor. It supports the preservation of traditional langkit (Malong weaving) while improving the working conditions and productivity of local weavers. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Bangon Marawi Support Fund, the innovation bested 14 other contenders in the 2023 GICE Expo, which highlights innovative, sustainable, and community-based solutions.
Langkit Festival is celebrated every year with the Charter Day of Marawi City, a legacy started by Mayor Majul U. Gandamra to help revive and sustain the tradition.
12 February 2026, Rome – The Philippine Embassy in Rome hosted “Arias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the World,” concert at the Chancery’s Social Hall, featuring acclaimed Luxembourg-based Filipino baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr. and distinguished Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto.
Filipino baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto
Held on the eve of Valentine’s Day, the concert offered an evocative musical journey across cultures, languages, and generations—celebrating the universal language of music while highlighting the rich traditions of the Philippines and Italy in song.
Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. -The Filipino Baritone performs the timeless La Vie en Rose.
From the heartfelt strains of “Júrame” by María Grever and the immortal French classic “La Vie En Rose,” to the operatic brilliance of Donizetti’s “Bella Siccome un Angelo” from Don Pasquale, De Guzman’s rich baritone resonated powerfully within the Chancery halls. Italian favorites such as “O Sole Mio, Con Te Partirò,” and Morricone’s hauntingly beautiful “Cinema Paradiso (Se)” further enthralled the audience.
The program also paid tribute to the Philippines’ rich musical heritage, featuring “Minamahal Kita” by Miguel Velarde Jr., “Pobreng Alindahaw” arranged by Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio D. San Pedro, and the enduring OPM classic “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas” by Willy Cruz—pieces that drew warm appreciation from both Filipino and Italian guests alike.
During the intermission, Maestro Marziali showcased his virtuosity with stirring piano interpretations from Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” and Mascagni’s “Cavalleria rusticana,” further elevating the evening’s artistic depth.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said that “The concert, spanning arias from Italy, the Philippines, and the wider world, reminds us that while our languages may differ, the emotions that move us are shared. In hearing these arias and love songs side by side, we are invited to listen not only with our ears, but with our souls—to recognize ourselves in one another.”
Ambassador Neal Imperial presents flowers to Luxembourg-based Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
The Ambassador underscored that the concert formed part of the Embassy’s celebration of the Philippines’ National Arts Month, anchored on this year’s theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (“Fruits of the Arts: Truth and Bravery”). He emphasized that the arts are not merely decorative expressions, but vital forces that give voice to truth, inspire courage, and build bridges across cultures. Highlighting music as one of humanity’s most powerful connectors, the Ambassador noted that long before borders were drawn and treaties signed, melodies traveled across nations, expressing shared human experiences of love, longing, joy, and hope.
The audience applauds the remarkable performance of Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, Italian officials, and leaders from both the Italian and Filipino communities, underscoring the Embassy’s continuing commitment to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement. Through initiatives such as this concert, the Embassy also seeks to highlight Filipino artists based in Europe and promote Filipino talent on the international stage. Through music, the evening strengthened bonds between Italy and the Philippines, demonstrating how culture transcends borders and unites communities.
With “Arias for Eros II,” the Philippine Embassy once again reaffirmed its role as a platform for cultural exchange—celebrating artistic excellence, showcasing Filipino talent, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Italian peoples. END
COMUNICATO STAMPA
L’AMBASCIATA FILIPPINA CELEBRA SAN VALENTINO A ROMA
CON IL CONCERTO “ARIAS FOR EROS”
12 Febbraio 2026, Roma – L’Ambasciata delle Filippine a Roma ha ospitato il concerto “Arias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the World” presso la Social Hall della Cancelleria, con l’acclamato baritono filippino residente in Lussemburgo, Cipriano de Guzman Jr. e l’illustre pianista italiano Maestro Simone Maria Marziali dell’Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi di Busseto.
Tenutosi alla vigilia di San Valentino, il concerto ha offerto un suggestivo viaggio musicale attraverso culture, lingue e generazioni, celebrando il linguaggio universale della musica e valorizzando le ricche tradizioni canore delle Filippine e dell’Italia.
L’Ambasciatore Neal Imperial posa con il baritono Filippino Cipriano de Guzman Jr. residente in Lussemburgo e il pianista Italiano Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
Dalle melodie struggenti di “Júrame” di María Grever e dall’immortale classico francese “La Vie En Rose,” alla brillantezza operistica di “Bella Siccome un Angelo” di Donizetti dal Don Pasquale, il baritono di De Guzman ha risuonato con potenza nelle sale della Cancelleria. Canzoni italiane amate come “O Sole Mio, Con Te Partirò” e la struggente bellezza di “Cinema Paradiso (Se)”di Morricone hanno ulteriormente incantato il pubblico.
Il programma ha anche reso omaggio al ricco patrimonio musicale filippino, con “Minamahal Kita” di Miguel Velarde Jr., “Pobreng Alindahaw” arrangiato dal Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio D. San Pedro e l’intramontabile classico dell’OPM “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas”di Willy Cruz, brani che hanno riscosso un caloroso apprezzamento sia dagli ospiti filippini che da quelli italiani.
Durante l’intervallo, il Maestro Marziali ha dato prova del suo virtuosismo con emozionanti interpretazioni pianistiche di Manon Lescaut di Puccini e Cavalleria rusticana di Mascagni, accrescendo ulteriormente la profondità artistica della serata.
Nel suo intervento, l’Ambasciatore delle Filippine in Italia, Neal Imperial, ha affermato: “Il concerto, che spazia tra arie italiane, filippine e del resto del mondo, ci ricorda che, sebbene le nostre lingue possano essere diverse, le emozioni che ci muovono sono comuni. Ascoltando queste arie e queste canzoni d’amore una accanto all’altra, siamo invitati ad ascoltare non solo con le orecchie, ma con l’anima, a riconoscerci gli uni negli altri“.
L’Ambasciatore ha sottolineato che il concerto rientrava nelle celebrazioni dell’Ambasciata per il Mese Nazionale delle Arti delle Filippine, incentrate sul tema di quest’anno, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (“Frutti delle Arti: Verità e Coraggio”). Ha sottolineato che le arti non sono semplici espressioni decorative, ma forze vitali che danno voce alla verità, ispirano coraggio e costruiscono ponti tra le culture. Sottolineando la musica come uno dei più potenti strumenti di connessione tra l’umanità, l’Ambasciatore ha osservato che molto prima che venissero tracciati confini e firmati trattati, le melodie viaggiavano attraverso le nazioni, esprimendo esperienze umane condivise di amore, desiderio, gioia e speranza.
L’evento ha riunito membri del corpo diplomatico, funzionari italiani e leader delle comunità italiana e filippina, sottolineando il continuo impegno dell’Ambasciata nella diplomazia culturale e nel dialogo interpersonale. Attraverso iniziative come questo concerto, l’Ambasciata si propone anche di dare risalto agli artisti filippini residenti in Europa e di promuovere il talento filippino sulla scena internazionale. Attraverso la musica, la serata ha rafforzato i legami tra Italia e Filippine, dimostrando come la cultura trascenda i confini e unisca le comunità.
Con “Arie per Eros II”, l’Ambasciata filippina ha ribadito ancora una volta il suo ruolo di piattaforma per lo scambio culturale, celebrando l’eccellenza artistica, valorizzando il talento filippino e rafforzando la duratura amicizia tra il popolo filippino e quello italiano. FINE
The Agus-Pulangi Hydro Plant Complex (APHPC) stands as Mindanao’s most vital public asset—a cornerstone of the region’s energy security, economic stability, and future prosperity. Its continued public stewardship is essential and must not be sacrificed to private monopolies.
Recent attempts by powerful private interests to acquire the APHPC raise urgent concerns about Mindanao’s energy security and long-term sustainability. Privatizing this asset would marginalize local communities, erode transparency, and weaken vital public oversight.
“Mindanao’s most important power asset must remain under Mindanaoan stewardship,” stressed BenCyrus G. Ellorin, project director of Consumers for Renewable Energy Action in Mindanao (CREAM). He highlighted the Energy Storage Project (ESP) proposed by Greenergy Development Corporation—a Mindanao-based company—as a locally anchored, sustainable alternative for rehabilitating, operating, and maintaining the APHPC.
According to Ellorin, the ESP proposal enjoys broad support from Mindanaoan power consumers, who have consistently opposed privatization for decades. First unveiled at the Mindanao Power Summit in Iligan City (May 2024), the proposal gained widespread support from household consumers, businesses, and just energy transition advocates. The ESP was supported by the Mindanao Business Conference in 2024, held at General Santos City. The 3rd Mindanao Clean Energy Forum—a diverse assembly of energy stakeholders—formally endorsed the project in November last year at Butuan City.
In January last year, Greenergy presented the proposal, which came with a petition signed by over 20,000 Mindanaoan energy stakeholders, to the national government, and it was evaluated by the Dept of Energy.
News reports cite Dennis dela Cerna, president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM)—which manages all government-owned power plants, including the 1,000 MW APHC—confirming receipt of three proposals for the long-overdue rehabilitation of the aging complex.
‘EXPENSIVE’ REHAB PROPOSALS AND THE PERILS OF CORRUPTION
CREAM Project analysis shows the ESP proposal to be significantly more cost-effective than those submitted by major power conglomerates.
“They would recoup their investments by raising power rates, crippling further ordinary power consumers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and industries that are already burdened by the country’s power rates, which are the most expensive in Southeast Asia. Why such excessive costs? We hope corruption does not influence the government’s decision regarding these ‘expensive’ rehabilitation bids.”
Developed by Mindanao-based stakeholders, the ESP prioritizes affordability and solutions tailored to the island’s needs, rather than shareholder profits. In contrast, corporate takeover threatens higher rates and increased risks of regulatory capture and corruption.
Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Power Plant in Maramag, Bukidnon. (Photo handout by CREAM)
The APHPC is composed of six cascading hydroelectric plants powered by Lake Lanao, a 240-square-kilometer lake in Lanao del Sur: Agus 1 is in Marawi City; Agus 2 is in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur; Agus 4 is in Baloi, Lanao del Norte; Agus 5, 6, and 7 are in Iligan City. The oldest of these power plants, the Agus 6 (Maria Cristina Falls) hydroelectric power plant, was commissioned in the early 1950s. The Pulangi IV hydroelectric plant, meanwhile, is in Maramag, Bukidnon.
MASS-BASED OWNERSHIP
The APHC was designed by the government to provide affordable, reliable energy to fuel inclusive growth in Mindanao. As a public asset, it delivers the most competitive generation rates in the Philippines—approximately P3 per kilowatt-hour—benefiting both industry and consumers. Privatization would undermine this mandate, inevitably driving up prices and reducing public accountability.
“If Agus-Pulangi is privatized, power rates across Mindanao will inevitably increase to make coal and diesel owned by the same energy monopoly competitive. Continued dependence on fossil energy sources would erode competitiveness, defeat carbon-emission reduction targets, and hinder inclusive growth,” Ellorin warned.
The ESP proposal, however, seeks to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the APHPC under a PSALM concession while retaining ownership in government hands. It also incorporates a vital safeguard: the Mass-Based Ownership model, guaranteeing that at least 30% of the implementing entity is owned by Mindanao power consumers.
Part of the country’s contribution to global carbon-emission reduction targets set at the Paris climate summit in 2015 is to reduce fossil fuel’s share of the energy mix by 35% in 2030 and by 50% in 2040.
NATURE’S POWER BANK
Engineer Cerael C. Donggay, president of Greenergy, affirms that their modernization strategy is technologically advanced, holistic, and cost-efficient. The approach seeks to boost operational efficiency and ensure affordable power without burdening consumers.
“Our proposal leverages three innovative technologies: 1) Hybrid Economic Dispatch (HED); 2) Circular Economy for Hydro Plants (CEHD); and 3) Solar Ocean Pumped Storage (SOPS),” Donggay explained at an investment forum with cooperatives recently.
The Majestic Lake Lanao as viewed from Marawi City.
According to the ESP manual, HED—a patented technology developed by Donggay, an electrical engineer with over 50 years of experience and former senior vice president of the National Power Corporation—will allow Lake Lanao to function as a giant energy storage system or nature’s power bank.
HED marks a paradigm shift from simply extracting water for downstream turbines. Under this system, the Agus plants will synchronize with distributed solar power centers. During peak solar periods, the lake stores water for sustained power generation.
CEHD, meanwhile, would ‘recycle’ water by using solar-powered pumps to return it upstream, enabling repeated use in the turbines. Typically, water from Lake Lanao ultimately flows to the sea. With CEHD, water drained from Agus 7 in Iligan City is pumped back to the Agus 4 reservoir in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. And from there, pumped back to Lake Lanao. This closed-loop process maintains sufficient hydraulic power for successive plants. The plant capacity factor of the APHPC would increase by 100MW without constructing a new hydropower plant.
SOPS, another innovation, addresses the power needs of small island grids and geographically isolated communities by harnessing re-engineered valleys near coastal areas, constructing elevated water reservoirs to store and release energy as needed.
Solar-powered pumps deliver seawater into these reservoirs, which are lined with impermeable material to prevent environmental contamination. Once filled, the stored water is released to drive turbines below, generating electricity for local communities.
SOPS will help the national government conserve foreign currency by cutting diesel imports, support the main grid of larger islands, and support the greening of the Small Power Utility Group (SPUG) operations in these small island grids.
North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc. (NMADI) or better known as Isuzu Cagayan de Oro with Isuzu outlets in Butuan, Dipolog, Pagadian and Valencia, has cemented its status as the most decorated dealer group in the history of the Isuzu Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA), securing the prestigious title back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.
Over the years, NMADI has now been recognized nine times as Dealer of the Year, a record within the Isuzu Philippines dealer network and a testament to consistent operational excellence and strong customer focus.
At the 2025 DOYA, IPC reaffirmed NMADI’s industry leadership with top placements across multiple categories, showcasing its all-round performance:
Overall Dealer of the Year (2025) — championing sales, service, parts operations, and dealership management.
2nd Place Excellence in Service Operations — reflecting service volume intake, workshop efficiency, trained technicians, and high aftersales quality, and
3rd Place Excellence in Sales Operations — demonstrating strong market performance and effective sales and marketing programs
Individual excellence from NMADI was also recognized
• Truck Meister Award to Sales Executive Grant Endriga.
• 2nd Place Truck Elite Award to Grant Endriga,
and 7th Place Truck Elite Award to Beverlyn Ranis, underscoring NMADI’s strength in professional sales and customer servicing.
Beyond DOYA success, NMADI excelled in the Isuzu Skills Olympics 2025, one of IPC’s flagship technical competitions aimed at elevating after-sales service standards nationwide:
• Dealer Grand Champion — top overall performance among participating dealerships.
• Technician Category Champion, with technicians whose skills have positioned them at the forefront of technical excellence.
• Two NMADI technicians, Sani James Maghanoy and Jay Ar Jumawan, were honored to represent the Philippines at the Japan I-1 Grand Prix Technical Skills Competition, highlighting global-level competency and technical mastery.
• In recognition of its longstanding collaboration and contribution to skills development, NMADI received an Appreciation Award from Isuzu Global Services Corporation during its 10th anniversary.
Strategically, NMADI continues to be a top performer in commercial vehicle sales, maintaining the largest volume of Isuzu brand-new unit sales in Mindanao, and serving as the largest brand-new Japan truck dealer on the island — a key pillar in sustaining Isuzu’s market leadership in the region,” declared NMADI General Manager Nyle B. Balasabas.
“These achievements occur in the broader context of Isuzu Philippines’ continued dominance as the No. 1 truck brand in the Philippines for over two decades, with IPC reporting sustained truck market leadership driven by durable products and a strong dealer network that consistently upholds the Isuzu brand promise,” he added.
