Empowering Visayas entrepreneurs with the economic might of PH franchising

CEBU CITY -- As the Philippine economy continues its steady upward trajectory, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) has brought its flagship regional roadshow, the Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo, to SM Seaside City Cebu, running from July 31 to August 1 at the Mountain Wing Atrium with over 60 exhibitors, industry experts, and hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Designed as a one-stop hub for business ownership, the free-admission expo featured emerging and established brands, allied suppliers, and hands-on educational seminars covering investment fundamentals, profit scaling, and brand expansion.

"Franchising remains one of the most accessible and proven pathways to business ownership, and through Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo, we hope to open more doors for Filipinos who dream of building their own enterprise,” said Steve Benitez, President, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

The Cebu expo provides a direct platform for attendees to connect with franchisors and explore legitimate, turn-key investment options. Key highlights of the event included a comprehensive brand showcase with more than 60 exhibitors representing food and beverage, non-food retail, and essential service categories.

5 Ways to Grow Your Profit, a practical session led by Coach Camille Conanan of ActionCOACH Philippines on proven strategies to scale existing operations. How to Invest in the Right Franchise, a strategic seminar by Noemi Ruiz of Francorp Philippines guiding prospective franchisees through financial evaluation and brand selection.

How to Franchise Your Business, a targeted forum held at Summit Galleria Cebu tailored for homegrown Visayas brands seeking national and international expansion.

The Philippine franchising industry statistics

The Visayas expo arrives at a high point for the Philippine franchise industry, which has established itself as an economic heavyweight both regionally and globally.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the International Trade Administration, the Philippines is the 7th largest franchise market in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. Over 1,800 brands operate across the archipelago, with an impressive 90 percent originating from local Filipino entrepreneurs.

Food and beverage concepts continue to lead the domestic market—accounting for roughly 46 to 80 percent of total industry revenues—followed by services at 34 percent and retail at 20 percent, the report said.  Small-format formats, such as food carts, kiosks, and compact retail pods, have fueled rapid growth in provincial hubs outside Metro Manila, lowering initial capital barriers for first-time business owners.

The sustained rise of franchising in the country is backed by an expanding middle class with growing purchasing power; a strong BPO workforce generating high disposable income and  the rising consumer demand in regional economic hubs like Metro Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo.

Global context: A $900B+ worldwide market

On the international stage, franchising continues to showcase remarkable resilience, transitioning from post-pandemic recovery into steady, tech-driven expansion, bared Chris Lim, CFE, PFA Director for International Relations.

The global franchise ecosystem generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic output annually, with the International Franchise Association (IFA) projecting global output to surpass $920 billion.

Globally, franchise systems are heavily adopting Agentic AI and automated operations for labor scheduling, inventory control, and localized marketing. Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting toward experiential dining, wellness concepts, and eco-friendly/sustainable brand operations, Lim added.

Cross-border franchising and with International franchisors increasingly view Southeast Asia, and the Philippines in particular, as a primary growth engine due to strong brand recognition, high literacy rates, and social-media-savvy populations, Lim noted.

Benetiz said that events like the Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo emphasized the crucial role regional centers play in sustaining economic growth. By providing aspiring entrepreneurs in Cebu and neighboring provinces with accessible tools, verified franchisor networks, and expert guidance, the Philippine Franchise Association continues to solidify the country’s standing as Asia’s capital of franchising. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Navigating the waves of reform for PH maritime sector

CEBU CITY — In an archipelagic nation where waterborne transit acts as the country’s economic lifeblood, lawmakers, maritime regulators, and domestic shipping leaders have convened in Cebu on July 31 for a crucial strategy meeting to address pressing industry bottlenecks, overhaul outdated policies, and chart a course toward a safer, more competitive domestic shipping sector.  

The high-level discussions brought together lawmakers from the House Committee on Transportation, senior officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and executive leadership from the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA)—the nation's largest maritime group representing over 50 companies and a fleet of more than 800 vessels, with honored guest, former president Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo, President Emeritus of the organization.

Opening the proceedings, Rep. Reynante Arrogancia, Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Transportation, praised the shipping sector for maintaining fixed shipping volumes, securing 8,000 jobs, and ensuring the continued vitality of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

"We do not view ourselves merely as regulators, but as partners in your growth," Arrogancia affirmed, emphasizing that the primary objective of legislative oversight is to streamline policies, address operational bottlenecks, and modernize the domestic fleet.

Echoing these collaborative sentiments, Adm. Loumer Bernabe, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations, commended the PCSA for pushing industry standards forward. Bernabe highlighted the need for rigorous maritime safety regulations and accountability, especially in the wake of recent maritime tragedies, noting that safety and economic viability must go hand-in-hand to safeguard national supply chains and food security.

Rep. Franz Pumaren, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, outlined an ambitious legislative agenda designed to modernize maritime governance and enhance safety across the archipelago. Key initiatives currently under committee review include:

Pilotage Reform (House Bill No. 5485): Known as the proposed Open Harbor Pilotage Services Act, this bill aims to curb monopolies, prevent conflicts of interest, and establish transparent rates by creating an independent Pilotage Board.  

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): Legislation to create an independent investigative body tasked with conducting impartial inquiries into major transport disasters.

Strengthening Maritime Safety: Amendments to the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004 to protect passengers, alongside legislative measures to bolster the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Digital Transformation at MARINA: Upgrading agency capabilities for faster crew certification, digital investor registration, and streamlined compliance tracking.

"Safety and competitiveness are catalysts for each other. Reliable operators earn public confidence and attract long-term investment. Regulation must protect the public while encouraging responsible innovation,” said Pumaren.

 

    PCSA points out regulatory strain and red tape

Despite shared goals for modernization, PCSA President Lucio Lim Jr. presented a candid assessment of the operational crises burdening vessel operators on the ground revealing a critical personnel bottleneck within MARINA staffing shortages, noting the agency currently operates with only 1,200 total staff nationwide—including just 152 qualified inspectors and surveyors—causing severe delays in vessel inspections and documentation processing.

PCSA also criticized redundant Coast Guard clearances policy of physically checking every single vessel prior to departure. Calling the practice inefficient and prone to corruption, Lim advocated for adopting a "master’s code of departure clearance" for cargo vessels to save valuable operational time.

Misapplication of International Conventions, Lim urged regulators to re-evaluate the application of international maritime conventions (such as STCW, MLC, and ISPS) on domestic fleets, pointing out that applying international standards to domestic routes significantly inflates operational costs for local shipowners.

Scrapping the "Rural Terminal Fee".  While praising the efficiency of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ports for fast inter-island trade, Lim called for the complete abolition of the ₱550 rural terminal fee on freight trucks. Lim noted that terminal fees account for 15% to 25% of total freight costs on short-haul routes, placing Visayas and Mindanao at an economic disadvantage compared to regions served by toll-free national highways.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from congressional leaders to maintain open channels of communication through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) involving port authorities, harbor pilots, shipping operators, and maritime regulators.

By bridging operational realities with legislative policy, both government and private stakeholders aim to build a resilient, modern, and competitive Philippine maritime sector worthy of the commuting public and regional commerce. (Photos: MBCNewman)

CCCI backs PBBM’s economic agenda, highlights regional growth priorities

CEBU CITY — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) expressed strong support for the economic priorities outlined in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing that key national policy directions align closely with the development goals of Cebu and the broader Visayas region.

In an official statement released following the address, the CCCI welcomed the administration's focus on strengthening governance, economic competitiveness, energy security, infrastructure, and technology-driven industries.

Highlighting governance reforms, the business group here commended the administration's anti-corruption efforts, including investigations into flood control projects that led to the recovery, freezing, or preservation of approximately ₱25 billion.

"For the private sector, greater transparency and accountability in government processes are essential in building investor confidence and ensuring a more predictable business environment," CCCI stated, noting that redirecting recovered funds toward education, healthcare, and food security reinforces national growth.

Energy security emerged as a top concern for the regional economy. The Chamber backed national energy expansion plans—including tracking nearly 10,000 megawatts across 200 power projects through 2028, developing 1,700 MW in storage capacity, extending the Malampaya gas project, and exploring renewable energy, hydrogen, and nuclear power.

"For Cebu and the Visayas, ensuring sufficient and competitively priced electricity remains critical to sustaining manufacturing, tourism, information technology, and other key industries," the Chamber noted. The group also welcomed the proposed “Sariling Kuryente” Act, which seeks to boost household solar and battery adoption to improve energy resilience.

To bolster competitiveness, CCCI highlighted several national initiatives including Tax Relief and Compliance, Investment Facilitation, Infrastructure Accelerations, and AI Readiness.

CCCI applauded tax relief for the middle class and the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) one-time tax abatement initiative for micro-entrepreneurs to ease cash flow and encourage business formalization and noting the facilitation of over ₱6 trillion in investments via the Green Lanes initiative and ongoing free trade agreement expansions.

The Chamber is also supporting right-of-way process reforms to speed up logistics and project completion, alongside proposed updates to the National Building Code, disaster resilience projects like Ligtas Pinoy evacuation centers, and waste-to-energy solutions.

It also welcomed workforce training programs targeting 1.8 million Filipinos for artificial intelligence readiness, positioning Cebu to capture opportunities in advanced manufacturing and digital innovation.

The Chamber emphasized that national policy directives match local strategic blueprints, specifically reinforcing the Metro Cebu Economic Hub, the West Cebu Economic Corridor, the Central Cebu Conservation Corridor, as well as the North and South tourism and agri-industrial corridors.

Looking ahead, CCCI stressed that translating these pledges into reality requires seamless coordination. "Effective implementation, regulatory consistency, and sustained public-private partnership will remain critical in transforming these commitments into inclusive and sustainable economic growth," the statement concluded.

SM Group steers its fleet toward a 40% carbon cut by 2040

CEBU CITY — The Philippine conglomerate behind the country’s largest retail, banking, and property empires reaffirmed its commitment to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the year 2040, backed by extensive investments in floating solar power, geothermal energy, and massive sustainable financing, the group is laying down a concrete blueprint for long-term climate resilience.

In the high-stakes push toward a greener economy, SM Investments Corporation is signaling that sustainability isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business.

Speaking at the recent MUFG NOW Manila forum, Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Opportunities and Challenges, Timothy Daniels, Consultant and Head of Sustainability and Investor Relations at SM Investments, emphasized that the group’s targets are rooted in immediate, operational reality.

“When we looked at our emissions, we identified where we could make meaningful reductions and developed a target supported by specific programs and investments.  For us, sustainability helps reduce costs, improve reliability, and make our operations more resilient. It's simply part of how we run the business,” Daniels explained.

SM's multi-pronged strategy spans some of the most innovative renewable energy deployments in the region. To date, the company has outfitted its various properties with over 200,000 solar panels, harnessing local sunshine to alleviate strain on the national grid.

In Toledo City, Cebu, its mining unit, Carmen Copper Corporation, turned a water reservoir into a clean energy powerhouse. The company commissioned a three-hectare floating solar facility on the Malubog Reservoir. Featuring 8,540 solar panels, the 4.99-megawatt setup generates enough clean electricity to cover nearly 10% of the mine’s power needs.

Beyond solar, SM is deepening its footprint in baseload renewables through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which manages extensive geothermal steam fields across South Luzon.

SM’s climate push extends beyond its internal footprint. Through its banking flagship, BDO Unibank, the group is financing the broader transition of the Philippine energy sector.

BDO has deployed roughly Php 1.2 trillion in sustainable financing, funding 71 renewable energy projects across the archipelago. Together, these project commitments account for a combined capacity of 6,165 megawatts—significantly boosting the nation's clean energy pipeline.

While internal efficiency and localized solar projects deliver immediate wins, Daniels pointed out that reaching the 40% target will ultimately depend on the pace of broader national infrastructure upgrades. Further deep cuts in emissions rely heavily on grid modernization, expanded transmission capacities, and the nationwide availability of utility-scale renewable power.

By combining capital allocation with practical engineering, SM Investments is framing its 2040 vision not as a distant pledge, but as an ongoing business evolution built to weather both economic and environmental shifts. (Photos: SM Investment Corp)

Fortinet: 93% of PH firms hit by breach as AI outpaces cybersecurity talent

CEBU CITY – Organized cybercrime syndicates are shifting from chaotic hacking to operating like ruthless, profit-driven enterprises—and Philippine businesses are finding themselves squarely in the crosshairs, it is a cyberspace warzone.

According to Fortinet’s latest threat intelligence findings and a Philippines-focused Forrester study, an astounding 93% of Philippine organizations experienced at least one cyber breach in 2025, with 28% facing five or more attacks.

Bambi Escalante, Fortinet Country Manager, in a media briefing on July 30 in Cebu bared that from pervasive malware and phishing schemes to crippling ransomware, the average breach now hits local enterprise pocketbooks to the tune of $1.5 million.

Beyond the direct financial impact, 70% of victimized companies reported recovery timelines stretching past a full month, suffering severe operational downtime, revenue loss, and reputational damage along the way, Escalante said.

The primary culprit behind this vulnerability? A stark, escalating human deficit, she went on to say that a staggering 71% of surveyed companies attribute their security breaches directly to a lack of cybersecurity skills across their people, processes, or technologies.

As cybercriminals leverage artificial intelligence to supercharge their attack speed and evasion tactics, legacy defenses are buckling under the weight. Securing data (38%), cloud environments (28%), and Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure (27%) have emerged as the hardest technical domains to fortify, the report said.

Compounding the problem is tool fragmentation. Security teams flooded with relentless, uncoordinated alerts from disconnected tools suffer from severe alert fatigue, leaving them unable to react swiftly to high-speed AI threats.

AI vs. AI: Fighting back with next-gen defense

Despite the daunting landscape, Philippine enterprises aren't standing still: 94% of organizations plan to increase their cybersecurity resources, with nearly as many already deploying or experimenting with AI-driven defenses, Escalante noted.

Nap Castillo, Senior Manager and Systems Engineering PH emphasized that to turn the tide against AI-powered threats, industry leader Fortinet is advocating for integrated, platform-based solutions. Built upon 25 years of innovation, its FortOS framework consolidates network security, SASE, and automated AI security operations into a single operating system.

Beyond present-day AI capabilities, Castillo said the tech giant is also developing quantum-cryptography solutions to future-proof networks against impending quantum-computing disruptions. On the global stage, Fortinet's collaborative threat intelligence has already aided law enforcement in taking down over 1,200 cybercriminals and disabling 114,000 malicious networks.

While technology offers crucial armor, human expertise remains the ultimate cornerstone of defense. Recognizing that 96% of companies are eager to invest in certifying their existing staff, Fortinet has committed to a global initiative to train and certify on million people around the world, Castillo added.

In the Philippines, he said that this effort is taking root across both the public and private sectors, through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed with local universities and educational institutions, Fortinet is embedding specialized cybersecurity coursework directly into academic curricula to nurture the next generation of defenders.

Coupled with free online training modules via their NSE certification program—which has already issued 1.8 million certifications worldwide—and ongoing workforce awareness programs, the initiative aims to bridge the talent divide before the next wave of cyber threats strikes, Castillo said. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Moalboal’s famous dive tourism takes lead to protect its underwater paradise

MOALBOAL, Cebu — Famous worldwide for its breathtaking sardine run and thriving resident sea turtle population, Moalboal draws thousands of eager divers and snorkelers to its turquoise waters each year. But as tourism surges along the shores of Panagsa Beach, a crucial mission is unfolding beneath the surface, ensuring that the very attractions putting this quiet Cebu town on the global map are preserved for generations to come.

Recognizing that sustainable tourism relies on a thriving marine ecosystem, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 7 steps up efforts to position the local dive industry as the front line of defense for Central Visayas’ coral reefs.

Through its Coastal and Marine Management Unit (CMMU) under CENRO Argao, DENR-7 recently conducted a Green Fins implementation, re-orientation, and feedback session on July 27–28, at Panagsa Beach in Barangay Basdiot.

The initiative focused on accredited dive operators MB Ocean Blue and Lion Dive Resort, two key players in Moalboal's vibrant dive community.

Led by DENR-7 Green Fins Assessors Carlo Babiera and Eduardo Fidel, the sessions went beyond routine environmental standard checks. Operators, guides, and assessors engaged in candid discussions about marine biodiversity conservation, waste management, and practical ways to minimize the human footprint on delicate coral ecosystems.

The gathering provided a platform for dive leaders to share real-world challenges from the water and collaborate on practical solutions to uphold international Green Fins standards.

For Moalboal, where coastal livelihoods and the local economy are deeply intertwined with the health of the ocean, the program highlights a powerful synergy-- responsible diving isn't just good for nature, it's essential for business.

Preventing physical damage to reefs and reducing stress on wildlife directly safeguards the breathtaking underwater landscapes that make Moalboal a premier tropical getaway.  The initiative also reinforced strong ties among the DENR, the Local Government Unit of Moalboal, and the private sector, cementing a unified approach within the Green Fins pilot area.

"The success of marine tourism depends on the health of our oceans. Every dive operator, dive guide, and tourist have a role to play in conserving the coral reefs and marine biodiversity that make Moalboal a world-class diving destination, the DENR said.

By empowering dive operators as active environmental stewards, the Green Fins Program ensures that Moalboal’s tourism expansion goes hand-in-hand with conservation, guaranteeing that every plunge into its vibrant waters remains a world-class experience far into the future. (Photos: DENR-7)