Category: Asia

Asia

Japan and Southeast Asia Are Getting Closer—But the Real Shift Is Happening Beyond Diplomacy

MANILA, Philippines — Japan’s relationship with Southeast Asia is moving beyond traditional diplomacy, trade and government-to-government cooperation, with growing people-to-people exchanges emerging as a major pillar of the partnership. The development comes as Japan and the Philippines mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, a milestone that has highlighted how decades of postwar reconciliation have evolved into broader economic, cultural, tourism and security

August 16, 2026

Asia

ASEAN Just Made a Major Digital Trade Move in Manila—But the Bigger Economic Shift Is Still Coming

MANILA, Philippines — ASEAN is moving to make Southeast Asia's economy more connected, more digitally driven and less vulnerable to global supply-chain shocks, with senior economic officials using Manila meetings to advance a series of initiatives spanning digital trade, semiconductors, trade security and small-business growth. Senior economic officials from ASEAN's 11 member states concluded four days of meetings in Metro Manila on Aug. 10, laying the groundwork for the next round of economic

August 16, 2026

Asia

ASEAN Month 2026: DSWD Calls for Stronger Unity—But the Real Test Begins in the Barangays

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — As the Philippines marks ASEAN Month this August, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is pushing for stronger cooperation among government agencies, local governments, civil society groups, and communities to ensure that regional commitments result in tangible improvements for Filipino families. DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas made the call during the Universal Health Care Sirib Series on August 11, emphasizing that ASEAN cooperation must g

August 16, 2026

Asia

Davao Just Took Tourism Digital With Japan’s Help—But the Biggest Change May Be What Comes Next

DAVAO CITY — Tourists exploring Davao City now have a new digital travel companion as the Davao Tourist Passport moves from a physical booklet to a mobile application backed by Japan’s smart-city initiative. The digital version was launched on August 14, 2026, through a partnership involving the Japanese government’s Smart JAMP (Smart City supported by Japan ASEAN Mutual Partnership), the City Government of Davao, and the private-sector-led Davao Tourism Association (DATA). Developed by Tokyo-

August 16, 2026

Asia

Australia Is Doubling Down on Mindanao—But the Biggest Opportunity May Be Beyond Education and Agriculture

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Australia is strengthening its long-running partnership with Mindanao, putting education, agriculture, climate resilience and private investment at the center of efforts to help the region build a more prosperous and stable future. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown outlined the continuing cooperation during the 35th Mindanao Business Conference in Cagayan de Oro City on August 12, where business leaders, government officials and development institut

August 16, 2026

Asia

She’s Not Even 10 Yet—Then This Young Mindoreña Took Malaysia’s Dancesport Floor by Storm

Young Mindoreña Makes Philippines Proud With Multiple Golds in Malaysia Dancesport Championship CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — She may not even be 10 years old, but young Mindoreña Erin Brittany A. Comi, fondly known as “Bree,” is already making her mark on the international dancesport stage. The student of Adriatico Memorial School in Calapan City recently represented the Philippines at the 2026 Negeri Sembilan International Dancesport Championship in Seremban, Malaysia, where she collected

August 16, 2026

Business

Romblon’s Calatrava Port Is Now in the MIMAROPA Diamond Route Plan—But the Bigger Change May Be Coming

Calatrava Port Upgrade Moves Into Focus as MIMAROPA Pushes New Sea Connectivity Network ODIONGAN, Romblon — A major upgrade of Calatrava Port could be on the horizon as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) identifies the Romblon facility as one of seven ports targeted for development under the proposed MIMAROPA Diamond Route. The initiative is designed to strengthen maritime connections among Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, potentially creating a more integrated sea transport network

August 15, 2026

Business

No More Long Routes to Romblon? Sunlight Air’s New Clark–Tablas Flights Could Change Island Travel—Here’s Why

Sunlight Air Opens Direct Clark–Tablas Flights, Bringing Romblon Closer to Central Luzon ODIONGAN, Romblon — Romblon is becoming easier to reach by air as Sunlight Air officially launched its new direct Clark–Tablas route, giving travelers from Central Luzon and beyond a more convenient gateway to the province. The airline inaugurated the service on August 11, 2026, connecting Clark International Airport (CRK) with Tugdan Airport (TBH) on Tablas Island. The new route operates twice a week, eve

August 15, 2026