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Feel Yourself Pink Campus Tour:Avon Brings Breast Cancer Awareness Closer to the Youth

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This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avon reminds young Filipinas that to “Feel Yourself” is to take charge of your breast health through self-checks and early detection.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, affecting 1 in 8 globally. More women in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed, disproving the belief that it’s “too early” to worry. Thankfully, early detection, when it is in its localized stages, has a 5-year relative survival rate of 99%.

Avon, one of the world’s leading beauty brands, has been at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer since 1992. For three decades, the brand has donated more than $951 million to breast cancer causes, educated 180 million people about the disease, and funded screenings for over 20 million women.

One of Avon’s key purpose-led initiatives is its Breast Cancer Promise, which ensures that women know the signs, know the risks, and know how to take action. The rise in diagnoses among younger women makes early awareness and preventive habits even more crucial than ever.

A united movement for breast health

This October, Avon continues its commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the Feel Yourself Pink Campus Tour. The nationwide movement brings Avon’s advocacy to students by normalizing conversations about early detection and equipping the youth with lifelong habits that give them the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their breast health.

The tour is part of Avon’s larger “Pink” advocacy banner, which also ties in with the Avon Pink Bus mobile clinic in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), a longtime partner organization that allows the brand to create impact on a grassroots level, directly supporting breast cancer patients and survivors in their journey. Together, these initiatives ensure that awareness is paired with real access—delivering both education on campuses and life-saving screenings in communities.

Several of Avon’s celebrity ambassadors—Kyline Alcantara, Kaori Oinuma, Maymay Entrata, and Enchong Dee—will headline select stops to champion breast health.

The Pink Campus Tour will travel to the following universities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao:

  • October 17 – University of Santo Tomas (UST)
  • October 21 – Far Eastern University (FEU)
  • October 24 – Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU)
  • October 27 – Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sta. Mesa
  • October 28 – Adamson University (AdU)
  • November 13 – National University (NU) Manila
  • November 14 – De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)
  • November 21 – University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD)
  • November 28 – West Visayas State University (WVSU)

The Pink Campus Tour is on the move until November, bringing the advocacy to more partner universities across the country. Follow Avon’s social pages for the latest campus stops!

“It’s never too early to take care of your breast health. Early detection can make a big difference, and I hope more young women feel comfortable talking about it. I’m glad to be part of Avon’s Pink Campus Tour so we can learn and remind each other to ‘feel yourself’ through regular self-checks and look after our health,” shared Kyline Alcantara, Avon Ambassador.

“For 139 years, Avon has been more than just a beauty brand. We’ve always been a brand with a purpose, and one of the causes closest to us is the fight against breast cancer. Our Breast Cancer Promise is about empowering everyone of all ages to act early, because self-checks are often the first step toward early detection—and early detection saves lives. By encouraging this awareness and action, we can make a meaningful impact on breast health across the country,” says Marion Limlengco, Head of Communications at Avon Philippines.

The Pink Campus Tour is made possible through Avon’s collaboration with advocacy partners, including ThinkPink.PH, GrabUnlimited, Move It, among others. Together with these organizations, a community is formed committed to empowering the youth with knowledge, access, and safe spaces to protect their health.

 “Early detection should be a habit, not a privilege. We are honored to support Avon and the Philippine Cancer Society to bring this conversation to where the next generation lives and learns. Together with our partners, we’re removing small frictions so young women can act early and confidently. Awareness saves lives, and routine protects them. And the progress we seek is simple and profound: years added to someone’s future,” added Grab Philippines Deputy Country Marketing Head Bea Bravo

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avon pledges to donate a percentage of proceeds from select products to the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), reinforcing the brand’s commitment to its promise. Fundraising items include a curated range of beauty, fashion, intimate apparel, and body care essentials—giving customers meaningful ways to support the cause with every purchase.

Beyond the campus tour, Avon’s partnership with PCS extends to the Avon Pink Bus mobile clinic. Through this initiative, breast health consultations and screenings will be made accessible to Avon Representatives and associates, underscoring the company’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of its own community.

Through both initiatives, Avon and its partners are working together to create a culture of awareness, access, and action—because early detection saves lives.

To learn more about breast health and the importance of early detection, visit ThinkPink.PH—a dedicated breast cancer awareness and education platform supported by Novartis, Avon’s key partner in the Pink movement. For more information about Avon’s products and causes they support, visit www.avon.ph or connect with your local Avon representative.

Philippine Startup Week 2025 Returns:Scaling Filipino Startups to Global Heights

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Philippine Startup Week (PHSW) 2025 returns on November 10–14 to champion Filipino innovation and empower startups to expand beyond local borders.

The country’s premier startup gathering, themed “Scaling Filipino Innovation: Start Local, Go Global”, will feature insights on the world-class nature of local startups and how they can seize opportunities to broaden their impact globally.

PHSW has been organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the past six years. Come 2024, the three esteemed government agencies unite to form the Innovation Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee, bolstering the government’s support for startups and innovations in the country. This year’s conference, with the National Development Company (NDC)—in collaboration with the Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystems of Startups–National Capital Region (SCALE NCR), will take a bolder approach to help local startups thrive on the global stage.

The festivities celebrating Filipino ingenuity extend beyond talks and panels. Philippine Startup Week 2025’s main conferences will be in the newly opened Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina. Within those five floors, delegates will find multiple conference stages, community events, a startup expo, and partners’ booths.

The week-long celebration is anchored on five signature tracks that define the Philippine Startup Week experience: (1) Discover – exploring technopreneurship, the local startup ecosystem, and how to launch a venture; (2) Collaborate – working with key stakeholders to amplify innovation and growth; (3) Develop – strengthening ideas through mentorship and support to scale; (4) Showcase – highlighting tech startups through nationwide pitching opportunities; and (5) Invest – fueling breakthrough ventures that shape the future.

Attendees can hear from the ISA on upcoming initiatives to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem, and network with prominent startup enablers, champions, venture capital (VC) firms, and top startups of the country.

Philippine Startup Week 2025 is the country’s largest startup conference, dedicated to showcasing Filipino innovators who create solutions for local and global challenges. It’s the space for collaboration, connection, and inspiration.

We invite founders, investors, advocates, and anyone interested in exploring the Philippine startup community to come.

Visit www.phstartupweek.com for all things Philippine Startup Week 2025 — from participant registration to exhibitor, partner, and community event opportunities.

Industry Leaders Unite for the 1st Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress

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The Philippine Coffee Board (PCB) successfully held the 1st Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress at the Makati Sports Club, bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of sustainable coffee production in the country.

The landmark event featured keynote speaker Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, alongside coffee experts Nishant Gurjer of Kaapi Royale (India) and Dave Lim of the ASEAN Coffee Institute, who shared global and regional perspectives on Robusta’s rising value and sustainability. The Congress also celebrated the 2nd Coffee Cup of Distinction Awards, honoring Nicholas Matti, Princess Kumalah Sug-Elardo, and Prof. Val Macanes for their exceptional contributions to the Philippine coffee industry.

Event highlights included the launch of the new PCB logo, the Celebration of Plant Coffee Pilipinas, and three plenary sessions on sustainability, government collaboration, and regional coffee origins. “The PCB is more than ready to forge partnerships to plant more coffee around the country,“ says Pacita Juan after attendees heard of PCB’s initiatives with Gcash and the Boy Scouts  of the Philippines as well as the Philippine Coconut Authority. A cupping session showcased coffees from across ASEAN, capping the day’s activities.

The PCB extends its deepest gratitude to its sponsors and partners: GCash (Platinum Partner); Land Bank of the Philippines, Peace & Equity Foundation, and Silcafe (Gold Sponsors); Alaska Professional, Curve Coffee Collaborators, Blu Coffee Distributors, and Breville (Silver Sponsors); UCC Philippines, Kopiko, and Le Minerale (Bronze Sponsors); Allegro Beverage Corporation and Cordillera Coffee (Patrons); and media partners BusinessMirror, The Manila Times, and Malaya Business Insight.

For more information, visit www.philcoffeeboard.com

First Major Tech Triumph: Palawan Group Wins Silver and Bronze at Marketing Technologies – Asia Awards 2025

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The Palawan Group of Companies proudly celebrates its first-ever technology win after being recognized at the Marketing Technologies (MarkeTech) Asia Awards 2025. Held at the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore, the event saw representatives of the Palawan Group accept two significant distinctions: Silver for Best Use of Marketing Automation Platform and Bronze for Best Use of Omni-Channel Marketing Platform.

The Best Use of Marketing Automation Platform award recognizes organizations that harness automation tools to enhance customer engagement, streamline communication, and deliver more personalized experiences. The Palawan Group was honored for its data-driven automation campaigns that deepen relationships with its sukis, ensuring they receive timely and relevant financial updates.

Meanwhile, the Best Use of Omni-Channel Marketing Platform category celebrates brands that seamlessly integrate multiple touchpoints—online, mobile, and in-branch—to create a unified customer experience. PGC earned this recognition for its bricktech approach, combining digital innovation with the strength of its nationwide physical network to reach millions of Filipinos wherever they are.

These awards mark a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey, highlighting its successful integration of innovative marketing technologies to better serve millions of sukis across the nation.

Palawan Group Chief Marketing Officer Bernard Kaibigan remarked, “These awards are a testament to how innovation and empathy can go hand in hand. By combining data-driven strategies with our bricktech approach, we continue to strengthen our connection with our sukis. Every day, we ensure that each interaction, whether online or offline, carries the same trust and malasakit that the Palawan Group is known for.”

The Marketing Technologies – Asia Awards recognize organizations across the region that excel in leveraging technology to deliver outstanding customer experience and marketing performance. For the Palawan Group, these accolades affirm its commitment to using technology not just for efficiency, but to deepen relationships and improve financial inclusion among Filipinos.

Palawan Group Head of Customer Relations Management Gelain Ramos stated “This achievement is a proof to the creativity and dedication of our Palawan marketing and product teams, whose data-driven strategies and customer-first innovations continue to strengthen our brand’s connection with Filipinos. Our journey toward digital excellence is guided by one goal: to make a difference in the lives of our customers, wherever they are.” She also acknowledged the valuable partnership of Hansa Cequity and CleverTap, whose collaboration helped bring this goal to life. She also acknowledged that this win will not be possible without the hardwork and collaboration of the PalawanPay Product & Tech teams.

Beyond plaques and distinctions, the Palawan Group views this milestone as a reflection of its enduring mission to provide reliable financial solutions and serbisyong may malasakit – a promise it has upheld for the last 40 years.

As the Palawan Group continues to expand its digital footprint through PalawanPay, Palawan Pawnshop, and Palawan Express Pera Padala, the company remains steadfast in its bricktech mission — to blend the accessibility of technology with the warmth and reliability of personal service.

HONOR and BYD Partner to Power the Future of AI-Driven Intelligent Mobility

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SHENZHEN, China – October 23, 2025 – Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced a strategic partnership with BYD, the world’s leading new-energy vehicle manufacturer. The collaboration integrates HONOR’s vehicle connectivity solution with BYD’s next-generation DiLink smart ecosystem to deliver human-centric, AI-powered mobility experiences for consumers.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony witnessed by James Li, CEO of HONOR, and Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Group. Fang Fei, President of Products at HONOR, and Yang Dongsheng, Senior Vice President of BYD and President of the Automotive New Technology Research Institute, signed on behalf of their companies, marking the start of deeper cooperation in intelligent mobility.

This strategic partnership is not only a deep collaboration in technology and ecosystem between two industry leaders, but also a forward-looking commitment to the future of intelligent mobility.

The partnership will progress along three pillars:

  • Core technology and features: Joint innovation in cross-device ecosystem integration, AI agent integration, and high-precision Bluetooth-based car key.
  • Channel ecosystem and user benefits: establishing a collaborative channel model that leverages HONOR’s connected vehicle capabilities and BYD’s intelligent ecosystem to maximize interoperability between platforms.
  • Joint communications and user engagement: Collaborative marketing, joint launches and user engagement around key launch milestones.

HONOR and BYD first collaborated in 2023, introducing smartphone NFC car keys that let BYD owners lock and unlock vehicles with HONOR smartphones. In 2024, the partnership extended to in-vehicle fast charging. In 2025, building on phone-to-car connectivity, the partners deepened cooperation: DENZA became the first brand to adopt HONOR Car Connect, with coverage expanding across additional BYD brands to enable seamless cross-device interaction and service continuity.

“At HONOR, we have always believed that the key to maximizing human potential lies in the combination of a human-centric focus and technology. Our partnership with BYD is a comprehensive collaboration for the AI era, with smart mobility as the key strategic focus at this stage. Together, we will advance joint technology development, complement each other’s strengths, and co-create an ecosystem of seamless and intelligent mobility experiences that enrich every journey and help usher in a new paradigm of smart living,” said James Li, CEO of HONOR.

This strategic cooperation represents both a deep integration of technology and resources and a significant innovation in intelligent mobility. Looking ahead, both companies will continue to be user-centric and AI-driven, accelerating development and rollout of phone-to-car connectivity, digital keys, and other features while enhancing safety and convenience across smart mobility scenarios.

The upcoming 2025 HONOR Global Developers Conference and AI Device Ecosystem Conference on October 23rd will also showcase the collaborative achievements of both parties. HONOR will also highlight the HONOR AI Connect platform and its role in building human-centric, scenario-based AI ecosystem solutions during the conference.

BingoPlus welcomes the International Series in the Philippines with Filipino culture and hospitality

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The prestigious golf tournament, International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus, officially arrived in the country.

To kick off an exceptional week filled with exciting activities, world-class golf, and electrifying entertainment, a press conference and welcome gala was held on October 21, 2025 in Pasay. Presented by the country’s leading digital entertainment platform, BingoPlus, the event was attended by prominent media representatives, renowned influencers, top executives, and VIP guests.

Seated on the panel were Mr. Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc.; Mr. Rahul Singh, Head of the International Series; and Mr. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour. They were joined by top golfers Mr. John Catlin, 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner; Mr. Marc Leishman, LIV Golf star and six-time PGA Tour champion; Mr. Taichi Kho, Asian Games gold medalist; and Mr. Peter Uihlein, two-time International Series winner in 2024.

When asked by the media about activity highlights during the tournament, Mr. Rahul Singh shared that beyond the golf action happening from October 23 to 26, fans can also look forward to a major music festival on October 25 at the Aseana City Open Grounds—made possible by BingoPlus and headlined by some of the best international and local artists, including Alan Walker and Apl.de.Ap.

The star golfers also shared their excitement and preparations for the upcoming tournament, expressing that this is set to be one of the most anticipated events of the season. They highlighted the high level of competition, the intensive course, and the vibrant atmosphere in the Philippines as key factors that make this leg of the International Series truly special.

Following the press conference, guests celebrated in-style at the Welcome Gala, exhibiting performances that celebrated Philippine culture while showcasing Filipino beauty and talent. The evening culminated in a contemporary Filipiniana fashion show led by Miss Universe Philippines queens, seamlessly blending tradition with modern elegance. Meanwhile, VIP guests also enjoyed a meet-and-greet session with golf stars Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed.

Mr. Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the historic partnership between ISP and BingoPlus. “We are bringing exquisite, quality, and high-level golf experiences closer to Filipinos,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to the ISP for trusting BingoPlus as a partner adding, “We have always been committed to contributing to the growth and development of Philippine sports. The BingoPlus Foundation, ISP, and BingoPlus will be donating one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to the Asian Tour for the development of the game. Additionally, a donation of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) will be made to the National Golf Association of the Philippines to support golf promotion and development.”

Moreover, the evening was highlighted by a warm welcome toast led by key executives: Mr. Eusebio H. Tanco; Mr. Tommy Hu, Chief Executive Officer of DigiPlus; Mr. Rahul Singh; Mr. Cho Minn Thant; Ms. Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary of the Department of Tourism; Mr. Patrick C. Gregorio, PSC Chairman; and Mr. Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR Chairman.

Additionally, an interview session with ISP star players — Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and Dustin Johnson — was held, where the golf champions shared their insights and excitement about competing in the tournament. They also expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality and unwavering support of Filipino fans, especially the support from BingoPlus.

Another highlight of the evening was the pledge of commitment to the PSC. The International Series, BingoPlus and the BingoPlus Foundation announced its donation to the organization — a testament to its continuous advocacy of uplifting and supporting local sports. Through this commitment, the brand aims to help develop Filipino athletes and empower them to make a lasting impact on the global stage.

Finally, Mr. Tommy Hu presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Rahul Singh and Mr. Cho Minn Thant to formally conclude the evening’s celebration. The gesture symbolized mutual respect and gratitude for the successful partnership and shared vision of promoting world-class golf in the Philippines.

The four-day golf tournament will take place from October 23 to 26, with free entry on October 23 and 24. Get your tickets at SM Tickets online.

All these and more brought to you by the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus! Together, let’s continue to Swing for the Filipino Sports Dream!

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates GameZone with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

A Living Tapestry: Inside the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

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The air inside the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall hums with the sound of weaving looms, soft laughter, and lively conversation. The scent of freshly polished wood mingles with the faint aroma of local coffee from one of the nearby booths. In every direction, color and texture fill the space — from hand-dyed fabrics and finely carved wooden furniture to delicate beadwork and handwoven baskets that carry the mark of both tradition and modern design.

This is the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF), a celebration of Filipino creativity that brings together more than 300 exhibitors from across the country. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the NACF has once again transformed the Megatrade Halls into a living museum of Philippine artistry.

The Country’s Creative Heartbeat

From opening day, visitors—families, students, collectors, and buyers—have come to experience how Filipino artisans are redefining tradition. In one corner, weavers from Kalinga demonstrate backstrap weaving as vivid geometric patterns come to life on the loom. Nearby, the T’boli of South Cotabato display their distinctive t’nalak cloth dyed with natural pigments. The Maranaw artisans present their brassware and torogan-inspired designs, while exhibitors from Antique proudly showcase patadyong weaves that carry the legacy of their province’s women’s cooperatives.

Every booth tells a story. Each artisan represents a community, a heritage, and a continuing dialogue between the past and the future.

Honoring the Masters

At the heart of the fair are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees — the National Living Treasures whose mastery preserves the Philippines’ intangible cultural heritage. Their presence lends the event both prestige and purpose. Visitors gravitate towards them, amazed at the generational knowledge being preserved and passed down for future generations.

During the daily program, Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) offer demonstrations of traditional crafts passed down through generations. Young apprentices share how their elders are teaching them to weave, carve, or mold clay by hand.

These cultural bearers remind everyone that heritage is not frozen in the past but continues to grow, adapt, and thrive.

Tradition Meets Modern Design

This year’s fair also shines a spotlight on innovation. Curated by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), several exhibits explore how traditional materials can take on new life through design collaboration. Modern furniture made from rattan, bamboo, and wood stand beside minimalist lighting fixtures crafted by artisans from Pampanga. Jewelry and fashion accessories reinvent indigenous motifs for the contemporary market.

Visitors can see how form and function coexist in the works on display. Even familiar crafts are reimagined through the creative use of color, pattern, and material.

Workshops and Live Demonstrations

Beyond the exhibits, the NACF’s daily schedule includes workshops, live performances, and business talks. Resource persons from partner agencies share insights on branding, product innovation, and intellectual property. Potters, weavers, and woodcarvers hold live demonstrations that captivate visitors and inspire future artisans.

For participants, the NACF is both an opportunity to connect with buyers and a venue for learning new ideas that can sustain their craft.

Partnerships that Empower Communities

The success of the NACF lies in the strong collaboration between government agencies and creative communities. The DTI-BMDPO continues to play a key role in helping artisans reach new markets through trade promotion and product development support. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) ensures that traditional knowledge is preserved, while the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) bridges heritage and innovation through design thinking.

The Office of Senator Loren Legarda remains a steadfast partner in this endeavor. Since its inception, Legarda has envisioned the NACF as both a cultural and economic platform — one that recognizes the artistry of Filipino communities while providing them with opportunities for growth.

Senator Legarda has long supported the empowerment of local artisans, particularly women’s cooperatives and weaving centers that sustain families through traditional crafts. Many of these groups are once again part of this year’s fair, sharing not only their products but also their stories of resilience and creativity.

“Every artisan who joins the fair brings with them the story of a community. Through their hands, we see how creativity can transform lives and how culture remains our strongest foundation for progress,” Legarda said.

A Celebration for All Filipinos

As the 7-day fair continues, the energy inside the Megatrade Halls buzz with energy and enthusiasm. Every day brings new faces, conversations, and discoveries. Students observe weaving techniques. Entrepreneurs explore partnerships. Tourists bring home handmade pieces that carry the spirit of the islands.

The NACF has grown beyond being a marketplace. It has become a meeting place for ideas, cultures, and generations. It invites visitors to see the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship not just as art to be admired, but as a living tradition to be supported and shared.

Visit the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair runs from October 23 to 29, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Experience the artistry of Filipino weavers, carvers, potters, and designers from all over the country. Discover handcrafted products that carry the stories of our communities and celebrate the creativity that continues to shape the nation’s identity.

For updates, follow DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram or email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.

The NACF stands as a living testament to what happens when tradition, innovation, and community come together — a true tapestry of Filipino pride and craftsmanship.

EVAP Identifies Key Factors that Drive Stronger EV Sales in PH

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Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit runs from October 23 to 25 at the SMX Convention Center Manila

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is confident that the volume of registered electric vehicle (EV) registration in the country will set a new record in 2025 at around 35,000 units. Based on data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), overall registered EVs in the first seven months of the year (January to July) already hit 29,715 units—comprising 28,353 new registrations and 1,362 renewals. In comparison, the total volume of EV registration was just around 24,000 for the entire 2024.

The seven-month EV registration volume also accounts for 5 percent of new vehicle registrations overall in the country during the period. These figures indicate that adoption of EVs among Filipino motorists continue to accelerate.

“Our EV volume target by 2040 is at least 2.5 million. I am confident, as I have always been, that this goal is easily achievable especially as we actually see that each year, we are breaking our own records,” said EVAP President Edmund Araga in his opening remarks during the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on October 23.

“The bold target is to make EVs account for at least 50 percent of all vehicles on our roads by the year 2040. Our sector is hoping that the attractive incentives and perks offered to our motorists to shift to electric will further go full swing. EVs still enjoy zero import tariffs and EV owners are entitled to priority registration at the LTO, exemption to number coding scheme, and free use of public EV charging stations in a growing number of malls and other commercial and public establishments,” Araga continued.

Technology factor

The EVAP President also highlighted fast-advancing and impressive technology of modern EVs for the strong sales figures. He cited findings of a McKinsey China Auto Consumer Study that indicate that technology is the highest consideration for vehicle purchasers when choosing to buy EVs over traditional and internationally branded cars.

According to that research that was conducted in China, the biggest EV market in Asia, technology increases purchase intent by 10.8 percent, compared to lower price tags or discounts that increase purchase intention by just 3.6 percent. The study also cited range, charging speed, and interior experience as other factors that influence EV purchase decisions.

However, cost is logically the primary factor that influence consumers to buy EVs in the Philippines, based on findings of a March 2024 study ‘Marketing Strategy and Preference Analysis of Electric Cars in a Developing Country: A Perspective from the Philippines,’ published by the Mapua University.

According to that local research, battery type, charging methods, EV category, driving range, and charging speed are the other considerations by Filipino EV purchasers. The study suggested ways to possibly speed up EV adoption locally—overcome cost barriers and improve technological literacy among prospective purchasers.

EV official classification in PH

Moreover, Araga commended the Department of Energy (DOE) for recently issuing six official classifications of EVs in the country—battery EVs (BEVs), hybrid EVs (HEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Range Extender EVs (REEVs), and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs).

In a statement, the DOE emphasized that classifying EVs in the country as such is a “critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market. By harmonizing EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency, and accelerating EV adoption nationwide.”

“There are so many other important factors we can cite for the accelerating EV sales locally, among those is the rising number of EV Charging Stations or EVCS and the establishment of home-based EV and components manufacturing plants that further contribute to making EVs of all types more accessible to more Filipinos,” Araga concluded.

To learn more about available EV technology and models in the Philippines, and to participate in seminars and panel discussions, visit the Philippine Electric Summit 2025. With the theme ‘Charge Ahead, Ignite the EVolution,’ the summit runs from October 23 to 25, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

PEVS 2025 is organized by EVAP with co-presentors BYD Cars Philippines, Omoda & Jaecoo Motor Philippines Inc, United Asia Automotive Group Inc (UAAGI), GAC Dangdang, and the Department of Energy. Visit the PEVS website (https://pevsummit.com) to learn more and to register for free.

Congress To Ensure Sustainable Coffee Supply

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With the ever-volatile price of coffee beans globally, industry experts predict that coffee sustainability will be a major challenge. The 23-year-old non-profit Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCB) addresses these apprehensions at its upcoming First Coffee Sustainability Congress to be held in Makati City on October 23, 2025.

Headlined by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, the Coffee Sustainability Congress also features one of the foremost Robusta experts, Nishant Gurjer of Kaapi Royale Bangalore, to share how India’s Robusta production continues to receive good value and better prices. “We have long wanted to raise the value of Robusta, which is 90% of our country’s production,” says Pacita Juan, Chair of the PCB. “The way to ensure the sustainability of our country’s coffee supply for domestic consumption is to enable farmers to produce quality coffee and by helping consumers appreciate high quality Philippine coffee,” she continues. The PCB brought in Gurjer to share how the once lowly bean variety can be world class and command higher prices.

Another way to sustainability is understanding the appreciation protocols of buyers from Asia Pacific and other global specialty markets. Dave Lim, Technical Director of the ASEAN Coffee Institute (www.aseancoffeeinstitute.org), will be coming to share the ASEAN Coffee Appreciation Protocol (ACAP).

Both these coffee experts will be holding an exclusive cupping session along with PCB members and advocates as an added feature of the Congress. 

Register now as there are only a few seats left for this milestone event to ensure our coffee supply continues to satisfy our café owners and the producers all over the country. Join us and be a part of the conversation!

Head over to https://bit.ly/phcoffeecongress to register and have a chance to join the cupping session within the Congress.

HONOR teases Revolutionary “Robot Phone” Ahead of MWC 2026

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This new ROBOT PHONE is a key part of HONOR’s ALPHA PLAN to bring innovative AI device experiences to consumers

HONOR just teased the new HONOR ROBOT PHONE at the HONOR Magic8 series launch in Beijing – a new species of AI device that merges multi-modal AI, robotic capabilities and advanced handheld imaging, marking a key milestone in HONOR’s ALPHA PLAN and its push toward becoming a global AI device ecosystem leader.

The HONOR ROBOT PHONE is set to combine robotics and advanced imaging. More details will be revealed at MWC 2026 in Barcelona according to HONOR.

Initial details are here: https://www.honor.com/global/events/honor-robot-phone/. Stay updated on all HONOR news by visiting www.hihonor.com or following HONOR’s official social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To explore HONOR’s full list of retail stores, visit https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.