SHDA Marks 56 Years of Leadership, Housing Industry Leaders Convene to Push for Greater Sector Synergy

Manila, Philippines — As the Philippines continues to confront housing needs projected at 3.7 million until 2028 according to Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) is calling on the housing sector to move forward in greater synergy as it marks its 56th year of housing leadership, with its celebration set on May 20, 2026, at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Anchored on the theme “Synergy — Onward Together!”, SHDA’s milestone gathering will bring together housing developers, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and partners. The event underscores the association’s call for stronger collective action to accelerate housing delivery and advance policy alignment across the sector.

“At 56, SHDA stands at the convergence of legacy and urgency,” said SHDA Chairman of the Board Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas. “The work of making housing affordable, sustainable, and accessible to every Filipino is far from finished, and it is work that none of us can do alone. As we face challenging times in both the global and local landscape, we are reminded not to lose sight of our goals and to continue moving Onward Together.”

The timing of the milestone reflects a deliberate position. Over the past years, SHDA has actively participated in the technical working groups led by DHSUD, particularly on the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the streamlining of housing permits and licenses, and the review of socialized housing price ceilings.

The association also provided industry input to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on the Joint Memorandum Circular streamlining permits and licenses for housing developments. SHDA also maintains active participation in key advisory and consultative bodies, including housing boards, inter-agency committees, and congressional hearings in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, enforcing its role in multi-level policy formulation and oversight.

“The progress we have seen in the past year on price ceilings and regulatory streamlining is a testament to what genuine dialogue can accomplish,” said SHDA National President Mr. Kerwin Padua. “These outcomes did not happen overnight. They are the result of sustained engagement, Technical working group meetings, regional consultations, committee hearings, and frank conversations with our government partners.”

At the regional level, SHDA’s eight chapters have facilitated direct dialogues between local developers and government agencies, including DHSUD, Land Registration Authority (LRA), and Pag-IBIG Fund, helping address region-specific concerns on project development and financing.

Founded in 1970, SHDA has grown into a 350-member organization and is widely recognized as one of the industry’s most consistent voices in housing policy formulation. Its support for the institutionalization of DHSUD through Republic Act No. 11201 underscores its long-standing advocacy for structural reform.

SHDA also collaborates with academic and research institutions, such as the Center for Research and Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific, on the Collaborative Housing Roadmap (2025–2040). It also organizes the National Developers Convention, now in its 34th edition, one of the country's longest-running annual gatherings of housing developers and stakeholders.

As part of its anniversary celebration, SHDA will pay tribute to partner institutions that have supported its mission and sustained collaboration across the public and private sectors. The association will also continue advocating for open dialogue, regulatory alignment, and inclusive participation to help address affordability, sustainability, and financing challenges in housing.

SHDA’s 56th Anniversary Celebration begins at 6:00 PM on May 20, 2026, at Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Interested industry stakeholders and partners may confirm their attendance by registering at shda.ph/56th-anniversary/ or contact shda.secretariat@gmail.com for event and sponsorship inquiries.

Globe’s GFiber Prepaid Reaches 1 Million Subscribers, Leads in Prepaid Fiber Internet

Globe announces that its Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid has reached 1 million subscribers, another milestone that reflects the growing trust of Filipino families in flexible, affordable, and reliable home internet. Built on a prepaid, no lock-up model, GFiber Prepaid empowers households to take control of their connectivity, making fast and dependable internet more accessible at a time when rising costs of living and energy challenges demand practical solutions.

With a 15% quarter‑on‑quarter growth in subscribers, this milestone represents millions of everyday moments powered by GFiber Prepaid. This momentum was further fueled by higher‑value reloads, sustaining revenue growth in the prepaid fiber segment. Globe’s approach prioritizes profitable density over geographic sprawl, ensuring disciplined expansion through targeted customer acquisition. By balancing rapid scale with sustainable long‑term value, the company’s success reflects a deliberate strategy rooted in quality growth and customer relevance.

Now, families can confidently enrich their digital lifestyle at home, seamlessly connecting up to 15 devices at once and supporting the diverse needs of every household member. From students learning online, to professionals working remotely or managing side hustles, to families streaming entertainment and loved ones staying in touch, GFiber Prepaid delivers flexible, reliable fiber connectivity that makes everyday progress possible.

“GFiber Prepaid has become a trusted everyday partner at home. It is a reliable WiFi that adapts to real household needs, without long‑term lock‑ins. As we continue to grow this segment, we remain committed to delivering dependable service, accessible offers, and customer-first support that keeps families connected every day,” said Abigail Cardino, Vice President and Head of Brand Management, Broadband Business at Globe.

GFiber Prepaid can be installed in as fast as 24 hours. It offers customer support through the GlobeOne app and dedicated Alagang Globe Viber groups. Plus, it offers at-home assistance via the Globe Care‑avan.

Value‑packed offers such as FREE 300 Mbps, six times faster than the previous 50 Mbps, for the same ₱699 installation fee, plus 7 days of unlimited internet, or 30 days of 100 Mbps for ₱999 with free installation, give families greater flexibility to manage their budgets while enjoying dependable, high‑speed connectivity at home.

Worried about rising monthly expenses? Globe AT HOME GFiber Prepaid offers a budget‑friendly internet solution that works as hard as you do. Unlike traditional plans, there are no long‑term commitments, just flexible prepaid options paired with fiber‑fast speeds that empower remote work setups and ensure seamless home schooling for the kids. With Globe, families can stay productive, connected, and resilient, enjoying reliable connectivity without the burden of a fixed monthly bill.

PLDT, Smart AI-In-A-Box Boost Baguio’s Smart City Journey

Baguio City is tapping AI for smarter public service with PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box, a digital empowerment initiative that brings artificial intelligence closer to communities through tools, connectivity, and training.

With support from the group’s social outreach arm, PLDT Smart Foundation, and partners Microsoft and Lenovo Philippines, PLDT and Smart provided the Baguio City government with an AI access kit, connectivity, and mentorship. The package also includes a laptop donated, a smartphone, a connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools.

“AI-in-a-Box reflects our commitment to technology for good,” said Roby A. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “By enabling AI adoption at the community level, we aim to bridge the digital divide and create meaningful experiences that empower Filipinos to thrive in a connected society.”

Beyond the AI kit, PLDT and Smart have kicked off their AI mentorship and acceleration program for the Baguio City LGU, helping transform ideas into practical AI solutions for the city. This initiative supports Baguio City’s digitalization roadmap, which includes the development of innovation hubs, the adoption of smart systems to advance sustainability and resiliency, and the creation of equal access to opportunities and services across the city.

“PLDT and Smart’s AI in a Box initiative is more than a technological gift; it is a gesture of trust in the people of Baguio. It equips our teams with the tools to innovate boldly, plan with data-driven clarity, and design services that honor the dignity and needs of every resident,” said Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City. “This partnership strengthens our push to become a smart city and brings us closer to the long-term vision of Baguio 2047—a livable, inclusive, and creative city shaped by collaboration, compassion, and smart solutions where no one is left behind.”

Microsoft also introduced Microsoft Copilot, bringing AI into the flow of everyday government work—helping teams move faster on critical tasks, simplify processes, and unlock more time to deliver responsive and citizen-centered services.

“At Microsoft, we see AI as an engine for nation-building. It helps local governments work smarter, make decisions faster, and deliver better services to citizens. Partnerships like this matter because they keep AI grounded in real community needs, built on trust, and accessible to more people. This is how we move toward a more innovative and future-ready Philippines,” said Jonathan Que, Microsoft Philippines Country General Manager.

Lenovo Philippines, which donated the laptop included in the AI-in-a-Box kit, underscored the importance of equipping local governments with the right tools to make innovation more accessible and impactful.

“At Lenovo, we believe technology becomes most meaningful when it helps people with access to solve real problems and create better outcomes for their communities. Lenovo’s support for AI-in-a-Box is part of our larger effort to provide access to Smarter AI for All. We are proud to support Baguio City with access to technology that can help turn ideas into action through innovation,” said Michael Ngan, President and General Manager of Lenovo Philippines.

Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart continue to advance digital inclusion by working with communities and LGUs—providing mentorship and support as they adopt AI in meaningful ways. Alongside Cebu City and Lanao del Sur, Baguio City is among the LGUs supported by PLDT and Smart in developing AI-driven solutions to enhance public services and improve everyday life for residents.

With AI-in-a-Box, PLDT and Smart continue to help communities and LGUs unlock the benefits of AI in ways that are practical, inclusive, and relevant to everyday needs. The program supports the country’s efforts to achieve UNSDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which encourages the responsible use of digital and AI technologies to foster innovation.

Edu Manzano, Ann Cuisia Clarify Volunteer Role in PGMN, Defend Free Speech

Television personality Edu Manzano and tech CEO Ann Cuisia clarified that their involvement with Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) stemmed from their support of free speech and independent public discourse, stressing that they were volunteer contributors and had no financial or professional ties to the organization.

The two had previously been identified as anchors of the online media platform founded by Franco Mabanta, whose arrest on May 5 on allegations of extorting P300 million from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has since placed PGMN at the center of public controversy. Mabanta and four co-accused have since posted bail.

In a joint statement posted on Facebook, Manzano and Cuisia said they joined PGMN because they believed in what the platform uniquely offered: a space for independent expression and unfiltered yet truthful discussions on public issues.

“We contributed to PGMN because we believed in what it uniquely offered… a platform for free speech. It gave us a space where we could speak in our own voice, carry our own scripts, and express our views without biased censorship,” the joint statement opened.

The two likewise emphasized that they were neither journalists nor employees of PGMN and clarified that they received no form of compensation for their participation.

“We were volunteer content contributors, not journalists. We were not employees. We had no contracts, no salary, no talent fee, and no commercial arrangement.”

For Manzano and Cuisia, contributing to PGMN was part of their commitment to encouraging fearless public discourse and to fostering civic participation, rooted in concern for the country, its institutions, and the future that Filipinos will inherit.

“This was responsible civic engagement. As citizens, professionals, and parents, we understand that the quality of our public systems affects everyone… families, workers, businesses, institutions, and the future our children will inherit,” the statement continued.

While addressing the controversy surrounding PGMN, the two personalities refrained from making accusations or legal conclusions, saying that matters of guilt or innocence should be left to proper legal process, and their statement was issued solely to clarify their position and intentions.

“We speak only for ourselves, in defense of our own character, credibility, and sincere desire to help our country in whatever way we can… The principle that brought us there should be louder than the noise we hear today. Free speech, carried with responsibility, courage, and love of country, is critical.”

Reaffirming their stance on free speech and volunteerism, Manzano and Cuisia said that independent voices and responsible citizen participation remain essential in shaping national conversations.

“Free speech has no price tag. Volunteerism has no price tag. And we remain our own voice.”

Through the platform, Manzano and Cuisia engaged in conversations and shared personal analysis on pressing social and national concerns.


Edu Manzano’s statement link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HEUngnyvH/

Ann Cuisia’s statement link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18aCKJJmGn/

Vivo X300 Ultra Unveils Stunning Portraits Ahead of May 23 Launch

The upcoming launch of the Vivo X300 Ultra on May 23 is already creating excitement among mobile photography enthusiasts in the Philippines. Ahead of its official debut, Vivo Philippines has shared exclusive portrait shots captured using the device, offering an early look at the flagship smartphone’s advanced imaging capabilities. The images highlight how the phone’s powerful camera system works seamlessly with creative vision, delivering professional-looking results straight from a smartphone.

At the heart of the Vivo X300 Ultra is its Triple ZEISS Master Prime Lens system, designed to provide users with versatile photography options for different styles and scenarios. Each lens is engineered to serve a specific purpose while maintaining premium image quality.

The 14mm ZEISS Ultra Wide-Angle Camera is built for capturing expansive scenes with impressive detail from edge to edge. Equipped with a large Sony LYTIA 818 sensor and ZEISS T* coating, the camera effectively minimizes glare while preserving accurate colors, even in challenging or mixed lighting conditions. This makes it ideal for landscapes, architecture, and dramatic environmental portraits.

For more natural and storytelling-focused images, the 35mm ZEISS Documentary Camera delivers a perspective commonly associated with street photography and editorial work. Its focal length closely resembles how the human eye sees the world, creating intimate and lifelike compositions that feel authentic and engaging.

Meanwhile, the 85mm ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Telephoto Camera stands out as the main portrait powerhouse of the device. It offers beautiful perspective compression, enhanced facial detail, and smooth background separation that gives portraits a professional and cinematic feel. Combined with a remarkable 200MP resolution and gimbal-grade stabilization, users can capture sharp and detailed handheld portraits with ease.

The Vivo X300 Ultra also pushes mobile photography further with its optional optical telephoto extenders. The 200mm Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 allows users to capture distant subjects for travel and candid photography, while the 400mm Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra transforms the smartphone into a powerful long-range imaging tool suitable for concerts, sports events, and faraway scenes.

Based on the sample portraits shared by Vivo Philippines, the X300 Ultra appears to be designed for creators who take mobile photography seriously. From balanced highlights and realistic skin tones to impressive low-light performance, the device showcases a camera system focused on mood, realism, and creativity.

The Vivo X300 Ultra will officially launch on May 23 through the Vivo Philippines Facebook livestream. For updates and announcements, users can follow Vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official Vivo website.