NEWS
MPIC Bridges the Gap for Cebu-Cordova’s Economic Growth
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) maintains its crucial role as a reliable partner in nation-building, reaching a major construction milestone for its P30B Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) this month.
CCLEX, MPIC’s first toll road project outside Luzon, has finally closed the two-meter gap that separated the main bridge decks of Towers 1 and 2. Despite unprecedented challenges brought upon by the pandemic, the major construction feat now successfully connects the modest town of Cordova in Mactan Island to Cebu City, providing an alternative route to decongest the traffic-choked channels that preceded it.
Implemented through Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of its toll road arm, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, CCLEX becomes an integral component in MPIC’s goal towards progress for the whole country. Beyond the reduction of traffic and the improvement of accessible travel, the project is expected to positively impact trade activities and create larger economic opportunities for Cebu and the rest of the Visayas region.
An Iconic Bridge
In partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and the Municipality of Cordova, the complex project spanned more than three years of non-stop construction, now cited as an “engineering marvel” and expected to become a tourist attraction within itself.
“It is with pride that we commemorate this milestone for CCLEX, given the current circumstances that could have easily hindered our progress,” said MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim. “Through the resolve of all sectors involved, primarily MPTC and CCLEC, we are gradually reigniting the economy of one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country. It is a strategic step towards spurring industrial growth all throughout the Visayas region.”
CCLEX measures 8.5 kilometers long and rises 51 meters from sea level, poising it to become the country’s largest water-crossing infrastructure. The bridge is built with a navigational clearance to allow large vessels to safely traverse a path underneath the bridge.
The bridge expressway will have two lanes in each direction and will feature the main twin cable-stayed bridge, viaduct approach bridges, a causeway, and toll facilities. Spanning eight kilometers from the mouth of the Guadalupe River to Shell Island and then Cordova, the project will connect mainland Cebu to the Municipality of Cordova and is expected to serve at least 50,000 vehicles daily.
The 8.9-kilometer CCLEX will be open to the public for commercial operations in the first quarter of 2022. The bridge will be using a full electronic toll collection system and is fitted with several state-of-the art equipment, including a Road Weather Information System that provides weather watches and warning for public safety.
A Good Pull for Investments
MPIC’s investment in the region has continuously been cited as an integral factor in the municipality’s rapid economic development. Akin to what the conglomerate has done for Metro Manila, the bridge project is effectively set to help in the daily lives of Cebuanos.
Preceding its completion, CCLEX is already generating positive economic growth for the municipality of Cordova, exhibited by the significant rise in land prices within the proximity of the project site. Prices have reached P5,000 per square meter in January 2020, a drastic leap from the P500 per square meter at most before the start of construction in 2018.
This dramatic boom in real estate value within a short time span, directly increased the Cordova’s demand in the market. A good pull for investments, this attracted the attention of several of the country’s biggest conglomerates including Ayala Corporation, SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the Gokongwei Group. The economic growth, partially brought about by the opening of CCLEX, has incited the need for business owners in Cordova to create their own chamber of commerce organization.
In 2019, business stakeholders were initiating moves to groom Cordova as the ‘Sentosa’ of Cebu. Similar to the island resort off Singapore’s southern coast, Cordova was set to become the “crown jewel” of tourism and business in Metro Cebu.
“The influx of infrastructure brought about by the completion of CCLEX is already generating socio-economic impacts that truly benefits all our constituents,” said Cordova Mayor Mary Therese “Teche” Sitoy-Cho. “We are grateful for the work that MPIC and their tollways arm has dedicated into helping us achieve our goal of becoming a more advanced and smart municipality. Aside from improving the convenience of travel, this project has been integral in creating more employment opportunities and uplifting our local tourism as another means of livelihood for our community.”
Linking Progress and Purpose
Beyond the infrastructural advancement that the bridge’s construction entails, CCLEX has become an avenue for the socio-economic development of its fenceline communities, all while integrating an environmentally conscious approach to its blueprint.
CCLEX was built as a “fishermen’s bridge” with additional clearance and channels designed into the structure to give local fishermen and their boats access to their traditional fishing grounds. When over 380 fisherfolks from Barangays Bangbang and San Miguel in Cordova town were required to temporarily cease their operations to allow for the filling activities for the causeway segment, CCLEC ensured the appropriate compensation, providing financial assistance and rice for them and their families.
The bridge was carefully designed and built to protect the existing 278-hectare mangrove ecosystem. With Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), MPIC, and the Cordova LGU, CCLEC inaugurated its Mangrove Propagation and Information Center in Barangay Day-as, as part of MPIF’s flagship environmental program, Shore It Up!
As its legacy project for the entire country, the two-storey facility shall serve as the center for the protection and propagation of mangrove trees in the coastal areas, including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in the whole Municipality of Cordova. It will also be an information hub to let locals and visitors appreciate the importance and benefits of mangroves in the ecosystem. The Mangrove Center directly employed four Cordova locals to serve as mangrove eco-guides in the Centers.
“MPIC is driven forward with the mindset that we cannot operate our businesses with just profit in mind. More importantly, we must be driven by purpose – by always doing good while doing well,” said MPIC Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla. “Becoming a partner in nation-building not only entails infrastructural progress but becoming a catalyst in uplifting the lives of all Filipinos.”
The completion of CCLEX is aligned with MPIC’s commitment to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
NEWS
BFAR cites success of annual fishing ban in increasing galunggong stocks
1:11 a.m. March 8, 2026
The annual closed fishing season for roundscad (galunggong) has been instrumental in ensuring sustainable yield and enhanced volume production, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said, citing the success of the science-based approach in Palawan.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said this fishing cycle, which has been enforced for over 10 years, allows the galunggong to thrive in Palawan waters, ensuring ecological balance and economic success for the local fishing industry.
Galunggong is a dining staple among Filipino families, known to be relatively more affordable than other options. In Palawan, it sells for between P150 and P200 per kilo.
“The success of the annual roundscad fishing cycle in Palawan shows what we can do together through science and discipline. It proves that science-based conservation is not a hindrance to the fishing industry, but its greatest ally,” said Salilig.
The National Stock Assessment Program has confirmed the positive impact of the annual fishing hiatus, said Salilig.
The annual fishing ban contributed to improved volume of roundscad production at 3,363.75 MT in the third quarter of 2024, a sequential increase of 55.1 percent. It was the top contributor to the total commercial fisheries production in MIMAROPA, accounting for 27.1% of the total fish catch.
Enforcement of the fishing cycle has also led to a decrease in fishing mortality and the amount of immature galunggong in the catch. The roundscad also showed an increase in average length from 16.8 cm in 2015 to 17.6 cm in 2024, suggesting “improved growth and a healthier, more mature population.”
The closed season for commercial fishing of roundscad in Northern Palawan takes effect every November 1 to January 31 and is lifted between February 1 and October 31. This fishing cycle, implemented via a 2015 administrative order, covers the West Philippine Sea and the Northern Sulu Sea.
This policy leaves the galunggong breeding ground largely undisturbed during the closed season, protecting the species during its peak spawning period.
Salilig thanked the Palawan fishing community for continuing to comply with the annual fishing cycle.
“By respecting the natural spawning cycles of the galunggong, we are not just protecting an ecosystem; we are securing the food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino fishers for years to come,” he said. #
NEWS
Converge hosts Project PIGLET in Baclayan, donates learning tablets for Mangyan children
8:26 p.m. March 7, 2026
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has come back to Brgy. Baclayan in Oriental Mindoro in celebration of Safer Internet Month, bringing its online safety campaign at the Baclayan Mangyan School, while strengthening the digital capabilities of its students.
Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge engaged pupils in Grades 5 and 6 in its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), a program that aims to enhance digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children.
Converge AVP and Head of Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Team Eumir Paolo Espiritu highlighted that kids nowadays are more susceptible to cyber threats such as deception, fraud, identity theft, malware and computer viruses.
He noted that as early as possible, children should be educated on ways to protect themselves against these, which was why they launched Project PIGLET in 2024.
“Converge intends to visit different regions across the country to reach the unserved and underserved and increase the awareness of kids when it comes to data privacy and information security. At Converge, we leave no one behind, so this Safer Internet Month, we visited the indigenous children here in Mindoro to also promote the more responsible and positive use of digital technology,” he said.
Converge hosted a story telling session, and distributed school supplies and snacks to the kids.
The company also strengthened the school’s digital capabilities as it donated learning tablets and a smart TV at the Stairway Foundation ICT Learning Center, which has been supporting the students’ learning activities, through the help of Mindoro-based child-care organization Stairway Foundation.
“Dahil nga Mangyan school ang aming paaralan, kaunti ang access namin sa equipment kaya malaking tulong ang mga dagdag na kagamitan para sa pag-aaral ng mga bata. Mahalaga rin ang ganitong mga initiative para maging aware ang mga estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran at hindi lang sila gumagamit ng gadgets basta-basta,” said Baclayan Mangyan School Head Teacher III Noemi Bonquin.
The Baclayan Mangyan School provides education to nearly 250 pupils from the different Mangyan tribes in Puerto Galera.
Converge first engaged with the Mangyan community in Brgy. Baclayan in 2023, in collaboration with Stairway Foundation. The team up paved the way for the powering of free fiber internet by Converge at the said ICT learning center and its donation of learning tablets to support the students in honing their digital skills.
Moreover, the company has also worked with the nonprofit in its online safety advocacy in an effort to combat cyber threats, particularly online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
NEWS
Maxim launches motorcycle taxi services in Iligan
7:11 p.m. March 6, 2026
Iligan City — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery is now authorized to operate motorcycle taxi services in Iligan, offering residents a convenient new way to get around the city.
With fares starting at Php 20, the service provides an affordable commuting option for daily travelers. The launch also creates new income opportunities for local driver-partners, enabling more residents to earn through a flexible platform.
Driver-partners operate from a commission scheme designed to be more favorable than many platforms in the market–helping them keep more of what they earn. Whether performing full-time or part-time, driver-partners can earn based on their availability and goals. All motorcycle taxi driver-partners undergo proper onboarding and an orientation on motorcycle taxi guidelines to ensure safety and service quality for every ride.
“Our goal in Iligan is to make daily travel easier for everyone while helping local residents earn extra income through flexible timetables,” said Myrrh Ornopia, Head of Maxim Iligan. “We want our service to benefit both riders and the community.”
Maxim continues to strengthen its motorcycle taxi operations in key cities, including Metro Manila, Batangas, and Cagayan de Oro. Through close coordination with local government units and transport authorities, the company remains committed to developing safe, reliable, and well-regulated motorcycle transportation services nationwide.
BFAR cites success of annual fishing ban in increasing galunggong stocks
Converge hosts Project PIGLET in Baclayan, donates learning tablets for Mangyan children
Maxim launches motorcycle taxi services in Iligan
