Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 is a strategic platform that brings together precise engineering and automotive excellence

"The automotive industry cannot thrive without precision tooling and die and mould manufacturers depend on automotive demand as a primary market driver. By uniting these complementary sectors, Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 creates powerful synergies that accelerate innovation, facilitate strategic partnerships, and position the Philippines as a complete manufacturing solution provider capable of competing on the global stage." ~Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, County General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines

The Philippine manufacturing industry has reached a revolutionary milestone with the official start of Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026, the premier event for manufacturing technology and innovation advancement that unites the Philippine Die and Mould Machineries and Equipment and the Auto Parts and Vehicles Expo Philippines (APVE Expo 2026). Exposition (PDMEX 2026) on a single, comprehensive B2B platform. Thanks to this strategic synergy, which highlights the critical role that manufacturing, automotive supply chains, precision engineering, technology adoption, and collaboration play in driving the nation's economic success, the Philippines is now at the forefront of regional industrial competitiveness.

Bringing Together the Manufacturing Value Chain

The pivotal event for all things manufacturing, Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 will create a cohesive ecosystem where precision engineering innovation and automobile excellence collide. The strategic merger of APVE Expo 2026 and PDMEX 2026 illustrates the basic interdependence of these sectors, where the production of automotive parts depends on dies, molds, and sophisticated machinery, resulting in an integrated value chain that boosts manufacturing competitiveness. Find prospects for cooperation and obtain all-encompassing answers in a one effective location.

The launch of Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 comes at a crucial time, with robust market data highlighting the country's industrial sectors, outstanding economic momentum, and investment potential.

Manufacturing Sector Strength: The Philippine manufacturing sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and expansion, with industrial production climbing 10.5% year-on-year in March 2026, which is the strongest annual growth since January 2023. This acceleration reflects strong performance across key subsectors, including computer and electronic products (20.8% growth), basic metals (42% growth), and transport equipment (7.4% growth), signaling broad-based industrial expansion.

Automotive Market Expansion: The Philippine automotive market reaches 515, 400 units in 2025 and projects impressive growth at a CAGR of 8.41% through 2034, reaching 1.09 million units. This expansion creates substantial demand for locally produced automotive components, precision-engineered parts, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The auto parts and accessories market anticipates significant growth at a CAGR of 5.6% during 2025-2031, reflecting increasing localization efforts and supply chain development initiatives.

Die and Mould Industry Growth: The Philippine tooling market, valued at 1.3 billion in 2025, projects robust expansion to USD 2.8 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.05%. This growth trajectory reflects increasing demand for precision components across automotive, electronics, and manufacturing sectors. Globally, the dies and molds segment captures 40.8% of the global tooling market share, with the automotive sector accounting for over 60% of global mold usage, underscoring the strategic importance of this industry to automotive manufacturing success.

The strategic placement of PDMEX 2026 and APVE 2026 in Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 provides revolutionary benefits that increase value throughout the entire manufacturing environment. Through overlapping conference sessions, technological demos, and industry forums, the event unites these complimentary industries to enable comprehensive value chain exposure, exponential networking opportunities, and expedited information transfer. Through direct access to integrated solutions and key partnerships, participants build supply chain resilience while enjoying increased cost and time efficiency.

Event Highlights: Scale, Scope, and Strategic Impact

Over 200 domestic and international exhibitors will occupy three halls of the World Trade Center Metro Manila during Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026, which is expected to draw 13,000 attendees. To link qualified suppliers and customers, investors and startups, technology providers and adopters, and overseas partners searching for Philippine manufacturing possibilities, the PMW will provide a business matching program in addition to technical seminars and conference sessions.

Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026 proudly presents the Philippine Die

The Manufacturers Association (PDMA) is an industry partner of PDMEX 2026. The nation's die and mold manufacturing community, which provides essential inputs to significant industries like consumer goods, electronics, automotive, and construction, is brought together by PDMA. By working together, PDMA ensures that PDMEX 2026 accurately reflects industry expectations, emphasizes regional competences, encourages information sharing, and industrial expansion through collaboration, standard-setting, and international engagement. 

The association's involvement improves the event's credibility and ensures EXPO 2026 AUTO PHILIPPINES Informa Markets Exhibitions Philippines Inc. Participants across the die and mould Maza Fly Ace Corporate Center, and As the country's manufacturing sector continues its impressive wrowth traiesterss supported by favorable demographics, government support, the Philippine Manufacturing Week provides the essential increasing foreign investment, platform for industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Industry professionals, technology providers, investors, and government representatives are invited to participate in this transformative event that shapes the future of Philippine manufacturing.

About Informa Markets Philippine Manufacturing Week is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

For more information, please contact the organisers:

Ms. Jomia Pagkatotohan

Marketing Manager

Tel. no.: +63 2 8581 1917 | Email address: Jomia. pagkatotohan@informa.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Majivel Marbibi

09152057446

majivel@isharkmarketing.com

Is it selective justice? The uneven crackdown on educational institutions has angered the CHED Chairperson

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is debating allegations of selective enforcement against institutions of higher learning. Critics question why long-standing schools face punishment while some seemingly non-compliant institutes continue to operate.

The issue stems from unresolved findings from CHED's 2024 evaluation of teacher education programs nationwide. According to people familiar with the discussions, over 100 institutions were singled out for failing to meet minimum standards, such as low passing rates on the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), insufficient faculty qualifications, poor academic leadership, and outdated curricula.

Despite the startling extent of the shortcomings and a thorough discussion of the Commission En Banc's conclusions, critics contend that the current CHED administration has not acted effectively. This inactivity, according to observers, including CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis herself, has cast doubt on the commission's objectivity and consistency.

Particular emphasis has been paid to how CHED handles certain campuses of a reputable university with a national prominence. Despite their well-established infrastructure and long history of operation, some claim that these institutions have been disproportionately targeted. The campuses under review, according to advocates, have been in operation for an average of thirty years, own the buildings and land they occupy, and have cutting-edge computer laboratories and worldwide certification for students. These characteristics distinguish them from "fly-by-night" establishments that carry on despite alleged shortcomings.

There are whispers circulating in academic circles that suggest politics may be impacting regulatory decisions. Some critics speculate that CHED Chairperson Agrupis' perceived bias against the targeted institution is caused by either the institution's affiliation with former CHED officials or Chairperson Agrupis's alleged connections to the institution's rivals, despite the lack of public evidence to support either theory.

But it's clear that stakeholders are growing more and more irritated because they believe CHED's enforcement activities have grown erratic. The irony has not gone unnoticed: while the commission recognized top-performing teacher education institutions with the 2025 EQUATE Awards, the long-promised crackdown on subpar programs never materialized.

For many educators, the issue goes beyond institutional rivalry. Both the credibility of CHED's regulatory authority and the general standard of higher education in the Philippines are compromised. If standards are to be meaningful, critics argue that enforcement must be consistent regardless of the regulator's political sympathies, institutional size, or personal ties.

In addition to offering an explanation for its decisions, CHED may soon face pressure to show that accountability in higher education is not being applied selectively as calls for transparency grow.

TECNO Introduces POVA Curve 2 5G in the Philippines: Slimmest 5G AI Phone Ever with 8000mAh Battery

The newest model in TECNO Mobile Philippines' popular POVA family, the POVA Curve 2 5G, was officially unveiled nationwide. Designed for the mobile generation, the device launches under the brand slogan "Power That Never Drops." It has a massive 8,000mAh battery and a twin chip signal amplification mechanism that keeps users connected no matter where they are.

With a weight of just 195g and a thickness of just 7.42mm, the POVA Curve 2 5G is the thinnest curved display 5G smartphone in the world. The battery is 8,000mAh. This extraordinarily small chassis has a powerhouse that redefines what consumers might expect from a mid-range 5G phone.

Unstoppable Battery, Uncompromised Design

The POVA Curve 2 5G's industry-leading 8,000mAh mega battery, which can provide up to three days of ordinary use on a single charge—72 hours of continuous use, 103.4 hours of music playback, 33.8 hours of navigation, or 18.8 hours of gaming—is its standout feature. When it comes time to recharge, 45W rapid charging reduces downtime by getting the battery to 50% in just 36 minutes.

By allowing the phone to receive power directly from the charger rather than cycling through the battery, Bypass Charging 2.0 significantly reduces heat generation during high load situations and prolongs battery life for those who never stop streaming or gaming. Additionally, because it supports 10W reverse wired charging, it can be used as an emergency power bank for tablets, earbuds, or a friend's phone. Despite having a huge battery capacity, the POVA Curve 2 5G is incredibly light and compact. Its 7.42mm ultra-slim profile and 195g weight make it suitable for one-handed gaming and portable for daily commuting.

Signal That Never Drops

In a country where connectivity problems are commonplace, from crowded LRT tunnels and underground parking garages to remote provincial areas, the POVA Curve 2 5G provides an answer. It is equipped with TECNO's exclusive G1 signal improvement chipset and SE1 WiFi enhancement chipset in addition to the advanced UPS 3.0 signal optimization algorithm.

The device supports 20 5G bands, which is twice as many as the 10 bands that were previously available, in contrast to its predecessor. Increased coverage and more reliable connections across different network infrastructures are thus guaranteed. The twin chip technology lowers network latency by 33% and boosts upload rates by 70%, while the Hyper Antenna Matrix fills 90% of the chassis with antenna elements, achieving +3dB signal strength over standard settings. Whether you're maneuvering EDSA traffic, watching films on the MRT, or taking calls inside a Makati high-rise elevator, the POVA Curve 2 5G maintains the connection.

Standout Specs at a Standout Price

The POVA Curve 2 5G is powered by the 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G CPU, which has an AnTuTu Benchmark Score of up to 850,000. The 6.78-inch FHD+ curved AMOLED display's peak brightness of 4,500 nits guarantees good outdoor visibility in the Philippine sun, and its refresh rate of 144 Hz provides buttery smooth gaming and scrolling. Displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.

For photography, there is a 50MP primary back camera with a 2MP macro sensor and a 13MP front-facing selfie camera. Other features include Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP64 dust and splash resistance, SGS 5 Star Drop Resistance certification for 1.5-meter falls, FreeLink 2.0 for offline communication within 1.5 kilometers, and the Android 16-based HiOS 16 interface with integrated AI tools.

Availability and Pricing

The TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G is available in three premium colorways inspired by interstellar themes: Mystic Purple, Melting Silver, and Storm Titanium. Every Purchase will be given a TECNO Gift Box plus a Globe Customised 5G SIM card enjoying UNLI5G and free data for a year.

• May 23, 2026 - Official Launch: Available starting today at all TECNO concept stores and authorized retail partners nationwide.
• May 26, 2026 – Online First Sale: Exclusive first sale on TikTok Shop.
• Official SRP: ₱16,999 for the 16GB RAM+256GB ROM variant (8GB Extended).

For more information about the POVA Curve 2 5G, please visit any TECNO store nationwide, follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook, or check the official TECNO Philippines TikTok page for the May 26 online first sale.

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Online Education (OEd) BS Artificial Intelligence Program Leads the Shift Toward Next-Generation Learning

Because sectors are changing at a rate never seen before, education is much more than merely earning a credential. It is now a long-term investment in digital readiness, adaptability, and future-proof capabilities.

In the Philippines, more students and working professionals are beginning to reevaluate what meaningful education means in today's rapidly changing world. Nowadays, a lot of people think that learning systems that can adapt to evolving professions, growing industries, and contemporary realities are a greater investment than just traditional classroom setups.

With the growing trend toward flexible, technology-driven education, online education (OEd) is becoming increasingly important.

For more than ten years, Online Education (OEd) has made a name for itself as one of the country's pioneers in flexible distance education, offering Filipinos the opportunity to pursue higher education through a fully digital learning platform that is adapted to modern lives and shifting workforce demands.

At a time when accessibility, convenience, and digital literacy have become increasingly important, OEd's approach reflects a larger change taking place in Philippine education.

Preparing Filipinos for Tomorrow’s Careers

One of the best indicators of change is the growing demand for technology-related jobs.

Automation, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies are rapidly transforming industries worldwide. Businesses are actively seeking professionals who can adapt to these new technologies and contribute to an increasingly digital economy.

In response to this shift, OEd has introduced one of its most innovative academic programs to date: the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BS AI) degree.

The curriculum aims to give students both basic and practical knowledge in areas such as machine learning, intelligent systems, data science, natural language processing, robotics, and AI-driven technology. More importantly, it demonstrates the institution's commitment to aligning education with the needs of the job market of the future.

The curriculum emphasizes real-world technological integration, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and practical applications over theory alone. These are abilities that are growing more and more crucial across a range of businesses.

For many students, programs like BS Artificial Intelligence are more than just another academic option. They highlight the increasing need of future-ready education in a world where industries are evolving faster than ever.

The Shift Toward Smarter Learning

Moving lessons online is only one aspect of next-generation learning.

It involves creating a more learner-centered and responsive educational experience that takes into consideration how individuals live, work, and seek careers in the contemporary world.

Today's students are looking for more than just academic credentials. They are seeking education that will help them remain up to date, competitive, and adaptable in a constantly changing environment.

The growing range of academic programs that OEd offers reflects this change. In addition to technology-focused programs, the school offers courses in business, education, psychology, hospitality management, and information technology.

Its fully digital learning environment also eliminates many of the traditional barriers to higher education, including regional restrictions, costly transportation, and rigid schedules.

For working adults and those changing careers in particular, this accessibility creates new opportunities.

Many professionals no longer have to dedicate their entire lives to a particular career line. Upskilling and reskilling are becoming increasingly crucial as industries continue to develop. Flexible online learning allows people to continue their education while working.

In this situation, adaptability may prove to be one of the most valuable skills.

Building a Future-Ready Generation

The Philippines continues to witness great digital growth in sectors like finance, healthcare, media, e-commerce, business process outsourcing, and technology. As this change gathers up speed, educational institutions are finding it challenging to prepare students for careers that might not have existed a few years ago.

OEd's emphasis on flexible, technology-enabled education reflects this growing demand for future-focused learning.

By combining accessibility, digital innovation, and industry-relevant courses, the school aims to provide Filipinos with an educational experience that is suited to both the possibilities of the future and the realities of the present.

In many respects, degrees, campuses, and classrooms are no longer the only topics of discussion when it comes to education. It has to do with relevance. It concerns whether education can actually keep up with the reality that kids today encounter outside of the classroom.

Adaptability may become as crucial as academic success itself for a generation joining a workforce driven by artificial intelligence, digital upheaval, and ongoing reinvention. This is the reason that future-focused and adaptable learning models are still gaining popularity—not just because they are practical, but also because they represent how people live and work in the modern world.

Additionally, education that can change with the times may prove to be the best investment for many Filipinos seeking to create greater possibilities in a world that is becoming more and more unpredictable.

For more information about OEd’s academic programs, visit OED official website.

For inquiries contact us via Mobile/Viber/WhatsApp/Email

09171901821

09171901817

Landline (632)87375580

Email: admission@amauonline.com

Pretty Huge Launches its HYROX Training Area

The new HYROX Training Area, which features a full HYROX simulation setup with the SkiErg, sleds, turf track, and practical training stations that replicate race-day conditions, was formally unveiled by the multi-sports facility Pretty Huge in BGC.

Pretty Huge's vast 2,300 square meters of space, which allows the facility to include a customized 100-meter jogging track, is one of its key features. This allows contestants to train in a setting that is very similar to an actual HYROX tournament.

As HYROX continues to grow globally as one of the fastest-rising fitness race formats, Pretty Huge plans to establish a specialized training location in Manila as an official HYROX Training Club, one of only a few in the BGC area, for both competitive athletes and everyday fitness aficionados.

 

The facility is intended for both after-work training sessions and the active BGC population, and it assists individuals who wish to integrate performance-based exercise into their daily routine.

Free HYROX classes are available to members on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM and on Saturdays at 9:00 AM.

Pretty Huge also offers HYROX training packages and HYROX-simulation events for all fitness levels—from beginners to seasoned athletes.

The facility is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. 

Excited yet? To book a HYROX trial session, message @prettyhugeph on Instagram and use the code “HYROXREADY” for complimentary day passes.

About Pretty Huge

Pretty Huge is a brand under TKG Lifestyle, a lifestyle company behind concepts and experiences across sports, wellness, hospitality, and community. Its growing portfolio includes brands such as Pretty Huge, % Arabica Philippines, Malbon and other community-driven ventures centered on movement, culture, and modern city living.

AirAsia Philippines offers free one-time flight change and free meals

This month, AirAsia Philippines is giving booking benefits to help customers manage escalating travel prices. 

Guests can purchase tickets from Manila and Cebu to overseas locations starting at PHP 739 one-way (exclusive of fees and surcharges) until May 31, with travel dates ending March 27, 2027.

Popular destinations include Kuala Lumpur and its Petronas Twin Towers, Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, Da Nang's Golden Bridge and coastal beaches, Bangkok's Grand Palace and vibrant street markets, and Kaohsiung's scenic Love River and bustling night markets.

For travelers who book certain international flights between May 18 and May 24, Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice is accessible via the "Add-ons" section on a first-come, first-served basis from May 18 until August 31, 2026.

The World's Best Low Cost airline continues to encourage more accessible travel with value flights, more rewards, and flexible booking choices for Filipinos getting ready to travel overseas this year.

AirAsia's one-time zero modification cost makes it easier to change plans as needed, allowing travelers to reschedule flights without paying fees.

Additionally, the airline is simplifying the rebooking process by automatically moving certain add-ons, such sports equipment and other qualified services, to the new reservation whenever possible. Other products like Fast Pass, Santan meals, and Xtra Carry-On can be discontinued if they are not available on the new aircraft.

One-time flight change applies to the entire booking (PNR). If only certain travelers wish to make changes, the booking must be split first.

To know more about the one-time, zero change fee full policy details, visit: https://www.airasia.com/aa/about-us/en/gb/zero-change-fee.html.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

Taguig Chemotherapy Center offers free chemotherapy sessions to cancer patients.

“Our mission is simple but powerful. No Filipino should ever have to choose between financial survival and life-saving cancer treatment.” ~Dr. John Paul Aclan,We Hope Medical Group Chairman and CEO

We Hope Medical Group, a top healthcare provider, expanded the range of services it offers with the opening of the Taguig Chemotherapy Center. Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of disease and death in the nation. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, cancer accounted for 58,656 deaths, or 11.5% of all deaths reported between January and October of 2025, making it the second most common cause of death.

Because thousands of patients are postponing or abandoning treatment due to cost, We Hope Medical Group is here to operate specialized medical facilities and programs that make treatments affordable, accessible, and sustainable. through strong partnerships with local government entities, the federal government, and communities.

Taguig Chemotherapy Center is designed to provide a safe, compassionate, and patient-focused environment with a team of licensed oncology doctors and cutting-edge treatment facilities. Citizens who qualify and are covered by PhilHealth, the Cancer Assistance Fund, and other LGU programs can receive free chemotherapy sessions. Additionally, by providing wellness programs, patient education, and medical consultations, the center supports families during their healing process.

Dr. John Paul Aclan DBA. We Hope Medical Group proudly highlights the visionary leadership of the  Chairman and CEO, whose bold vision and unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare have redefined cancer care for Filipino families. We Hope Medical Group believes that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare.

innovation, community service, and long-term healthcare delivery. By aiming for 100 operating centers by the end of the year, We Hope Medical Group is setting a new national standard where healthcare systems are built with the needs of people in mind and compassion and innovation coexist.

Thanks to the center's historic opening, patients will no longer be denied access to life-saving care due to financial constraints.