NEWS
Gregorio: Hosting international meets catalyst for local grassroots sports programs
10:19 a.m. June 28, 2026
NOT only does it boost local tourism, staging international meets such as the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission serves as a catalyst for the country’s grassroots development programs, according to PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“We have at least 40 local athletes here. If we sent them all to Europe and South America for competitions abroad, the PSC won’t be able to justify it,” said Gregorio during the press conference the other day in tribute to newcomer Sophia Nicole Novino, who was the country’s first silver medalist in the tough continental meet.
“This (result) justifies what we are trying to do. Yung kalaban ni Sophia world-ranked pala,” noted the PSC chief, referring to Kazakhstan’s Karakat Rakhybay, who was forced to work hard before pulling off a 3-1 win over the Pinay rookie in the women’s youth -47kg finals.
“These are eye-openers for us. This is the beauty of what we are trying to do. Sinsasala nating kaagad ng ating mga athletes by giving them the opportunities to go up against the world best as in sambo,” Gregorio stressed.
“So we are thankful to the Pilipinas Sambo Federation and its president Paolo Tancotian for the hosting of the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships for exposing our young athletes to world-class level of play,” he added in tribute of the sambo head, who was also present during the briefing.
Gregorio, who also heads the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee, pointed out that “if we see the potential and promise of a sport and its athletes, they are much easier to support like sambo.”
For her part, Novino, 17, a varsity judoka and incoming Grade 12 student at UE, disclosed that having savored initial success in a major international sambo meet “gusto ko po mag-devote more time sa sport kasi sa opportunities na maaring ibigay nito para sa akin.”
Tancontian disclosed that he received nothing but praises from International Sambo Federation and Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania officials plus majority of the participating foreign contingents for how well-run the competition was.
“We have been made the example by the International Sambo Federation and Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania in how to run a competition properly. Bilib na bilib sila,” Tancontian said with pride.
“More than 15 foreign squads personally thanked and congratulated yours truly for the first-class treatment they had received from the moment they arrived at the airport, to the hotel and, of course, our excellent venue, the Ninoy Aquino Stadium,” he noted.
“We are being talked about in the sambo world. All eyes are on the Philippines,” Tancontian added. “This is more than what I could dream for and the federation thanks the PSC for making it happen.”
NEWS
BFAR, British Embassy Manila advance fisheries innovation, global collaboration in SAFET 2026
8:30 a.m. July 20, 2026
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the British Embassy Manila have partnered to co-host the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Conference 2026, set from September 8 to 10 in Cebu.
The event will bring together world-leading expertise from the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) with on-ground operational experience from the Philippines to advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, responsible seafood sourcing, blue finance linked to marine protected areas, and emerging opportunities from marine energy
The partnership underscores a shared commitment between the Philippines and the United Kingdom to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific fisheries sector.
“SAFET 2026 reflects the Philippines’ commitment to building a modern fisheries sector where technology directly benefits both people and the environment. Through collaboration with global partners, we aim to accelerate practical innovations that strengthen fisheries governance, improve seafood traceability, conserve marine resources, and create better opportunities for our fisherfolk and coastal communities,” said BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig.
“We welcome our partners from around the world to join us in Cebu as we work together to turn innovation into meaningful action,” said Inga Wise, SAFET Executive Director.
“We cannot solve the complex challenges facing our oceans in silos. The SAFET Conference is a unique convergence point where market-driven technology meets government initiative. By bringing global tech innovators to the table alongside fisheries authorities, we are fostering the exact partnerships needed to build transparent, resilient seafood supply chains and secure thriving coastal livelihoods for the future,” she added.
Through SAFET 2026, BFAR and the British Embassy Manila will facilitate dialogue that includes coastal communities, technology developers, and policy-makers, ensuring that new tools are accessible, scalable, and tailored to the needs of the local fisheries sector.
“The challenges facing global fisheries require stronger partnerships and smarter solutions. SAFET 2026 provides a unique platform where governments, scientists, technology innovators, industry leaders, and fishing communities can work together to transform promising technologies into practical actions that strengthen the fisheries sector. We are proud that the Philippines is hosting this important global conversation and invite everyone to join us in shaping the future of sustainable fisheries,” said Philippine Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate.
Advancing the Digital Shift
SAFET’s conference theme “From Innovation to Implementation: Powering Responsible Fisheries, Markets, and Livelihoods,” reflects the Philippine fisheries sector’s shift from manual processes to a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
BFAR is currently leading this transition by deploying cutting-edge tools, among them the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Fisheries Integrated Information Management Center – Vessel Monitoring System (FIIMC-VMS).
By integrating the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite observation, and IoT-enabled monitoring, the Bureau is actively strengthening law enforcement, combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and ensuring that Philippine seafood meets the highest international trade standards.
As the Philippines advances its digital transformation, SAFET 2026 reaffirms the country’s growing leadership in science-based fisheries management and its commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and prosperous future for all Filipino stakeholders. #
NEWS
Jordan Brand announces return of The One Tournament for 2026
4:11 p.m. July 19, 2026
Jordan Brand is running it back for the next iteration of The One—its premier one-on-one basketball tournament celebrating the intersection of the game, court culture, and community. In 2026, it’s louder, faster, and on a larger global stage.
As The One continues to grow, it remains rooted in a singular idea: to show who’s next and inspire a new generation to take their turn. At its core, The One reflects an incredible origin story. The inspiration is born from Michael Jordan’s legendary one-on-one battles, where every loss fueled something greater. That same mentality lives on in every matchup, every move, and every moment of this tournament.
In the Philippines, The One returns following a breakout year that saw young Filipino hoopers capture attention through fearless performances, underdog runs, and moments that resonated far beyond the court. In that inaugural edition, De La Salle Zobel and Gilas Youth standout Bonn Earvin Daja and UAAP Juniors Season 88 MVP Riri Perez crushed it to win the men’s and women’s tournament, while Perez and men’s finalist JM Tumabang from Adamson University High School went on to chase greatness in the global tournament in New York.
For 2026, the competition expands with two regional qualifying events across Cebu (25 July) and Manila (28-29 July) and a national qualifier at Jordan store, Metro Manila (1 August), opening the stage to even more athletes across the country. Ballers will be tested not just on skill, but on resilience, instinct and presence: the qualities that define greatness.
Following the national qualifiers, the 4 best athletes (2 male, 6 female) will compete in a ‘Final Elimination’ round on the 8thAugust at Jordan store in Metro Manila. They will go head-to-head in fierce competition and from this, two ballers (1 male, 1 female) who rise above the rest will earn a place on the ultimate stage: The One Global Finals, on August 29, 2026 in Shanghai.
To give them the best chance at the Philippines ballers taking the crown on the global stage, Jordan Brand are setting these two ballers up with an incredible training and mentor journey. Over the three weeks before the big competition, they will get the chance to train and learn from both Kiefer Ravena and Lethal Shooter, giving them an edge over the rest.
Registration for the Philippine qualifiers opens on July 18. Open to boys and girls ages 14 to 18, the tournament challenges hoopers to embrace pressure, showcase individuality, and compete for global recognition.
Alongside the competition at each stop will be programming that underlines how basketball influences the world beyond the court, including live performances, athlete appearances, and many other surprises along the way.
For ballers, register now: https://www.jordanbrandtheone.com/
NEWS
Canon PH renews support for Philippine Red Cross to aid Mindanao Earthquake Relief and Recovery
6:19 p.m. July 13, 2026
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. (CMP), together with Canon Business Service Centre Phils., Inc. (CBSC), has renewed its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to support relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao, including Sarangani and General Santos City.
The donation underscores Canon’s continued commitment to standing with Filipino communities in times of crisis and delivering timely assistance to those in need.
“Our commitment to the philosophy of Kyosei means standing together with communities, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. “Through our continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, we hope to bring not only essential relief but also hope to families as they recover and rebuild their lives. We are honored to support the invaluable work of the Philippine Red Cross in reaching those who need it most.”
Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon welcomed Canon’s continued support, highlighting the impact of sustained collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organizations in disaster response.
“We are grateful to Canon for its continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross,” said Gordon. “Canon has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian action, having also extended its support during the Cebu earthquake response. Together, we can provide timely relief and help communities recover stronger from times of crisis.”
Guided by its corporate philosophy of Kyosei, living and working together for the common good, Canon remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. Through this partnership, Canon reaffirms its commitment to helping Mindanao earthquake-affected communities recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger.

