Manila, Philippines – The wait is over! The Philippines’ largest manufacturing, subcontracting, and metalworking event is back and bigger than ever! The 2nd International Machinery, Tools & Accessories Philippines (IMTAP 2025) and the 3rd Philippine Subcon & Manufacturers Exhibition (PSMEX 2025) are set to take place from May 8-10, 2025, at Halls A-D of the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. If you’re in the manufacturing, industrial automation, metalworking, or supply chain sector, this is the event you cannot afford to miss!
Expect three action-packed days of innovation, networking, and business opportunities. Discover the latest advancements in automation, robotics, sheet metal, machine tools, plastics, welding, and more! With top international and local exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions, attendees will experience live demonstrations, expert-led technical seminars, and firsthand insights into the latest industry trends. Whether you’re an established manufacturer, a startup, or an investor looking for the next big opportunity, IMTAP & PSMEX 2025 is the ultimate destination for industrial growth and collaboration.
Photo taken during IMTAP & PSMEX 2023 Exhibitors’ Networking & Fellowship Night
More than just an exhibition, this is where deals happen and industry connections are made! Meet top decision-makers, forge partnerships, and explore new markets in aerospace, automotive, electronics, motorcycles, and boat & vessel manufacturing. With free entrance and technical seminars, there’s no reason to miss out on this game-changing event. Mark your calendars: May 8-10, 2025! Join us at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila, and be part of the future of Philippine manufacturing! Pre-register now by scanning the QR code.
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines – The burgeoning Northern Mindanao region is all set to get a timely boost in the arm as it metamorphoses into the Philippines fourth metropolitan area.
Barely five months after signing an agreement to join forces in building up a globally competitive workforce in the Metro Cagayan de Misamis growth area, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority(TESDA) and Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PDO), are in talks to have the government agency construct its Region 10 office, Misamis Oriental Provincial Office, and Cagayan de Oro Training Center into a donated lot in the Pueblo de Oro Township in Uptown Cagayan de Oro.
In a meeting hosted by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., (Oro Chamber), PDO General Manager & Vice President for Mindanao Engr. Chrysler B. Acebu, who is also concurrently the Vice President for Manufacturing and Industry of Oro Chamber, related how a one hectare lot PDO donated to the Regional Development Council for Region 10 (RDC-10) 18 years ago remains undeveloped, save for a 2,800 sq m lot which was donated to the Oro Chamber.
PDO as the real estate arm of the ICCP Group has long been a valuable partner of TESDA Region X in advancing community empowerment through relevant skills training and workforce development initiatives. As part of the exchange partnership with TESDA Region X, PDO expressed its willingness to consider a part of its property holdings for the TESDA 10 regional office, Misamis Oriental provincial office and the TESDA Training Center Cagayan de Oro office.
Engr. Acebu cited the strategic importance of its partnership with TESDA, especially with regard to PDO’s Masterson Mile North, a five-tower luxury condominium complex; the 31-hectare Southridge Silicon Valley-inspired mixed-use development, and a World Trade Center.
“We would really need TESDA to help us upgrade the skills of our workforce since PDO is known for its high-end products, therefore we need workers who are able to keep up in terms of delivering quality work that align with the premium standards we envision for these upcoming projects,” Acebu noted.
Industry 4.0, (also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or 4IR) is the current phase of the industrial revolution characterized by digital transformation and a shift towards automation and data exchange in the manufacturing and business processes.
ICCP manages six industrial parks around the Philippines where the skillsets of the workers of its locators have to be competitive at a global level to be able to adequately address the needs of their markets and clients.
TESDA Sec Kiko Benitez hands PDO VP & GM Chrysler Acebu a Certificate of Appreciation witnessed by TESDA & PDO officials. (RMB)
“To network with TESDA and other stakeholders is part and parcel of our journey and we are looking forward that the initiative of Pueblo de Oro will come into reality,” said Oro Chamber President Almarco C. Brito.
“It’s time to build our own regional building that will become the face of TechVoc to improve things, the way we do things, the way we deliver our services to our clients,” responded TESDA-10 Regional Director Rafael “Rafi” Y. Abrogar II. “Our partnership is a testament to the development of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and Region X, and we are honored to be your partners (PDO and Oro Chamber).”
Abrogar revealed that TESDA Regional Offices are now empowered to delve into curriculum development in partnership with industry and the academe, especially for hard-to-fill skills, trainings, or qualifications which still lack competency standards, and apply these directly to address the specific needs of particular industries and companies.
TESDA Director General Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez for his part stressed the advantage of having the TESDA regional and provincial offices in close proximity to the Oro Chamber office, considering the member firms of the chamber is the primary market for its graduates and services.
“This jibes perfectly with TESDA’s BEST (Better Employability through Skills Training) priority program which focuses on demand and data driven TVET which is agile and responsive to the demands of industry,” Sec. Benitez stressed. “This involves modernizing programs, integrating digital skills, and fostering partnerships with industries to ensure graduates are future-proofed for the evolving workforce, and ever ready to meet the demands of local and global economies.
Joined by TESDA Deputy Directors General for TESDA Deputy Director Generals Vidal Villanueva III (Operations) and Felizardo Colambo (Special Concerns), Secretary Benitez kicked off his official itinerary with a visit to Pueblo de Oro to discuss the proposed donation of a lot intended for the establishment of a new TESDA Regional Office Building in the city’s uptown area, signifying a new chapter in service accessibility and infrastructure development for the region.
“Inherent to TESDA’s mandate is to provide relevant, accessible, high quality techvoc, hence the need to have a demand driven skills training through a strengthened partnership with industry as indicated in our priority program for Demand Drive and Data Driven TVET,” said TESDA Misamis Oriental Provincial Dir. Marigold Cherie R. Garrido. “The partnership with PDO will also lead towards realizing TESDA’s priority program 5.0 on Employment Outcomes.”
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) was named as the Philippines’ Best for Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals for the third consecutive year by Euromoney.
Metrobank’s leadership in the ultra-high net worth segment earned praise from Euromoney, citing its superior client servicing, top-notch relationship managers, and relevant digital innovations that makes it the preferred private bank of its highly discerning clients.
The bank’s exceptional service lies on its holistic approach to wealth management–offering clients value-adding solutions, from investment advisory and estate planning, to discretionary portfolio management. Metrobank’s Private Wealth team remains the clients’ primary point of contact within the Metrobank Group – going beyond private banking and giving customers access to best-in-class wealth products which include insurance, real estate, and healthcare.
The Relationship Managers undergo rigorous training and certifications, covering treasury and trust products, insurance and cash management, among others, to ensure robust discussions on needs-based solutions for clients. Supporting them are capable traders and trust officers who provide key investment insights, as well as Investment Counselors who conduct economic briefings customized for private wealth clients– to help the latter make sound financial decisions.
To complement the relationship platform’s best-in-class service, the bank also invested in key innovations to streamline and automate wealth management products and services.
Specifically, Private Wealth clients have Wealth Manager, an online platform that monitors their investment portfolio and access strategies to optimize this conveniently–using their desktop and mobile phones. Also, clients are able to obtain professional advice on financial markets and actionable investment ideas for their portfolios through the bank’s Wealth Insights website.
“Getting feted for the third straight year shows the bank’s constant commitment to servicing the ultra-high-net-worth with excellence. Keeping our clients’ trust and enabling their financial journey remain our highest priority. We shall continue to provide exceptional service to ensure they are always in good hands,” said Lizette Perez, Head of Metrobank’s Private Wealth business.
MANILA, 09 April 2025 — The Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP), the country’s biggest transport group has signified its full support to Arangkada Party List led by Congressman John Bertiz III.
During the recent Ist Mindanao Transport Summit held in Cagayan de Oro City, LTOP National President Orlando Marquez announced the important role of Arangkada Party List in the delivery of development and economic programs for the country’s transport sector.
Arangkada Pilipino Partylist Rep. John Bertiz III has vowed to continue his advocacies in safeguarding the interests of the transport sector relative to the ongoing modernization of the transport industry under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) of the government.
Bertiz expressed his profound thanks to LTOP National President Orlando Marquez for the unwavering support of LTOP for the Arangkada Party List.
Bertiz reiterated his advocacies in advancing trainings and retirement programs for the transport sector.
At the same time, Bertiz lauded LTOP for the successful staging of the Ist Mindanao Transport Summit in Cagayan de Oro where Arangkada Party List was one of the distinguished benefactors of the event.
Bertiz said Arangkada Party List will continue working for the transport sector by providing trainings, assistance for driver’s insurance, housing at retirement programs.
Arangkada Pilipino Partylist anchors its advocacies on “Ikaw ang Una sa Buhay, Husay at Tagumpay”.
LTOP National President Orlando Marquez (right) with John Bertiz III of Arangkada Party List
Manila, April 7, 2025 — Several transportation groups from across the country have thrown their support behind Representative Richelle Singson of Ako Ilocano Party List, recognizing her leadership and continued service to the sector.
Singson, who is seeking re-election, emphasized her dedication to empowering drivers, operators, and their families through various legislative proposals. Her agenda includes a scholarship program for transport workers’ children, livelihood support for women, and the promotion of sports among youth in rural communities.
One of the key programs she aims to advance is the “V Bank” or “Banko ng Masa,” an initiative focused on providing inclusive financial services, especially for the unbanked population in the transport sector.
Singson also paid tribute to her father, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, as her inspiration in public service. She underscored her vision of servant leadership, rooted in compassion and accountability, and called for continued public trust and cooperation in her mission to bring positive change.
New York, USA – The Philippines has once again made its mark on the global opera stage as Michelle Mariposa, a 30-year-old mezzo-soprano from Quezon City, was named one of the winners of the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. The prestigious event, held on March 16 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, saw Mariposa stand out among hundreds of talented young opera singers from around the world.
Mariposa is one of five winners selected from nine finalists, each receiving a $20,000 cash prize. Her victory places her among esteemed Filipino opera artists who have previously excelled in the competition, including soprano Evelyn Mandac (1966), tenor Rodell Rosel (2005), and bass Paul Corona (2006), who was one of the distinguished winners of the competition nearly two decades ago, further highlighting the rich tradition of Filipino talent in the classical music scene.
Her journey to this achievement is nothing short of inspiring. Initially on track for a medical career, Mariposa graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology before deciding to pursue her passion for opera. She later obtained a Master of Music in Voice and Opera Performance at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music in 2023. Over the years, she has received multiple accolades, including the Lynne Cooper Harvey Foundation Award in the Musicians Club of Women 2024 Vocal Competition and the Sullivan Award from the Sullivan Foundation.
Currently a resident young artist at the Washington National Opera, Mariposa continues to refine her craft and perform on prestigious stages. She has appeared in several productions, showcasing her powerful vocals and deep emotional connection to her roles. With her latest triumph, she has joined the ranks of elite opera performers making waves internationally.
The Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition, established in 1954, is a prestigious platform for discovering and nurturing young opera talents. Many of its past winners have gone on to successful careers, including world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming and baritone Eric Owens. For young singers like Mariposa, this competition serves as a launching pad for greater opportunities in the opera world.
With her victory, Mariposa not only brings honor to the Philippines but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring Filipino musicians. Her story, along with those of past winners like Corona, Mandac, and Rosel, is proof that talent, passion, and determination can pave the way to success on the global stage.
MANILA, April 7, 2025 — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has voiced his full support for the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP) as it intensifies its campaign to promote safer roads and more disciplined driving across the country.
As part of its nationwide advocacy, LTOP has unveiled the 2025 edition of its educational manual titled “Pagbabago ng Pinoy Driver, Gabay sa Ligtas na Pagmamaneho.” The initiative is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a more disciplined and responsible citizenry under the “Bagong Pilipino” movement.
Dizon highlighted the long-term benefits of fostering a culture of discipline among drivers. “Instilling a sense of responsibility and courtesy on the road not only protects lives but also contributes to national productivity and economic growth,” he said.
He further explained that improving driver behavior leads to fewer road accidents, reduced traffic congestion, and increased efficiency in the transport system. These, in turn, help elevate the standards of professionalism within the transport sector.
LTOP President Orlando Marquez led the release of the updated manual, aimed at serving as a practical guide for drivers holding professional licenses. The document outlines essential principles and best practices for road safety.
LTOP Foundation Inc. remains at the forefront of efforts to empower the transport community, aligning itself with the administration’s broader vision for reform and progress under the Bagong Pilipinas banner.
It’s easy to say “Support Local”—but true support means more than buying a coffee or a meal. It means respecting their time, space, rules, and capacity. It means showing up as considerate customers who understand that local businesses operate under constraints.
Most importantly, it means giving businesses the benefit of the doubt before trashing them online.
Filipino values such as pakikipagkapwa, pag-unawa, and respeto are more than buzzwords. They are the backbone of community-building. And in a nation where millions rely on small enterprises to make a living, we must move away from an entitled, transactional mindset to a more compassionate, community-oriented approach.
The Bigger Picture The cost of entitlement is not just financial—it’s emotional, reputational, and cultural. When customers expect everything without giving anything back—not even gratitude—we lose something more valuable than money. We lose trust, empathy, and a sense of mutual respect.
So, the next time a small café lets us stay longer than we should, or accommodates a group without prior notice, perhaps we should leave a thank you instead of a complaint. And maybe, just maybe, we should remind ourselves that being a good customer is also part of being a good Filipino.
3rd Philippine Subcon & Manufacturers Exhibition (PSMEX 2025) has partnered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to drive industrial growth, strengthen local manufacturing, and enhance the country’s position as a global hub for subcontracting and production. This collaboration seeks to connect international manufacturers with Philippine-based suppliers, fostering business partnerships within PEZA-registered economic zones. By bridging these key industry players, the event will open doors for foreign investments, advanced technology transfers, and increased industrial capabilities.
One of the key objectives of this partnership is to provide local manufacturers with access to world-class innovations that will improve production efficiency, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience. With state-of-the-art machinery, automation solutions, and expert-led technical sessions, PSMEX 2025 will serve as a gateway for businesses to explore cutting-edge trends in aerospace, automotive, electronics, motorcycles, and boats & vessels. In addition, the collaboration aims to generate new employment opportunities and enhance workforce development, supporting the country’s long-term economic sustainability.
photo taken during the exhibition at I-MTAP & PSMEX 2023
Beyond business growth, this partnership also reinforces the Philippines’ potential as a key player in the global supply chain. By showcasing high-quality local products and services to an international audience, PEZA and PSMEX 2025 aim to encourage multinational companies to set up operations, form joint ventures, and expand their manufacturing footprint in the country. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote industrial innovation, economic resilience, and inclusive development.
Set to take place from May 8-10, 2025, at Halls A-D, World Trade Center, Metro Manila, this highly anticipated event will gather industry leaders, investors, manufacturers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of Philippine manufacturing. As the country continues to strengthen its industrial sector, PSMEX 2025 provides an essential platform for business growth, technological advancement, and international trade partnerships. Pre-register now and be part of this transformative movement shaping the future of Philippine manufacturing!
For registration, scan the QR code below:
or contact us at psmexhibition@gmail.com | imtaphilippines@gmail.com or call 632-8985-3375 | 09694775259 (Smart) | 09175177619 (Globe).
Senatorial candidates from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, a coalition backed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., have vowed to bring transformative change to Cagayan de Oro City by championing good governance, sustainable development and inclusive economic growth ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
Alyansa is composed of former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
These administration candidates are committed to addressing key local issues such as infrastructure development, job creation, environmental sustainability and social welfare programs.
They underscored the importance of governance that is transparent, accountable, and focused on improving the lives of every Cagay-anon.
“We believe that CDO has the potential to be a model city for progress in Mindanao. But for this to happen, we need leaders who will prioritize the people’s welfare, listen to their concerns, and implement programs that will drive long-term development,” said Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, Alyansa’s campaign manager.
Among Alyansa’s key priorities is improving the city’s infrastructure to support economic growth, attract investors, and create more jobs.
The coalition also plans to enhance public transportation, strengthen flood control measures, and modernize waste management systems to ensure a cleaner and greener city.
“We need to be proactive, not reactive, in addressing the challenges our city faces. Whether it’s traffic congestion, flooding, or waste management, we must invest in smart and sustainable solutions,” Tiangco said.
Education and social services are also high on Alyansa’s agenda.
The administration coalition has pledged to strengthen scholarship programs, upgrade school facilities, and ensure accessible healthcare services for all residents.
As the campaign season heats up, Alyansa candidates urged Cagay-anons to support leaders who are committed to genuine change and solutions-based governance.
