FEATURES

GH Mall Lit Up For Christmas. Ortigas Land President & CEO Jose Emmanuel “Junie” H. Jalandoni, with EVA Airways Corp. Junior Vice President Rick Hsieh, led the ceremonial Christmas Tree lighting at the GH Mall. Joining them were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora with family; Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili, members of the Ortigas family, and RCBC executives.

For Filipinos, Christmas is never a quiet affair because of the sheer joy from being together. Christmas is laughter shared over food, children running toward twinkling lights, and families strolling hand in hand through bright streets and malls. It’s the sound of choirs, the scent of Christmas ham, the sound of church bells during Simbang Gabi and the feeling that everyone you love is a little closer this time of year.

This is the spirit that fills GH Mall as it ushered in the most anticipated season with its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony last November 14 at the East Wing Atrium.

The ceremony was graced by special guests and city officials, including San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Ortigas Land President and CEO Junie Jalandoni, EVA Airways Corporation General Manager Rick Hsieh, and RCBC Chief Commercial Officer Mylene J. Bico, who all joined the community in officially welcoming the season of joy and giving.

Every corner of the mall glows with the warmth of shared moments, inspired by the universal magic of Christmas, as GH Mall transforms into a festive escape. Themed “Holidays Around the World,” GH Mall partners with Taiwanese airline EVA Air to bring the magic of global travel into one holiday destination. 

GH Mall ushers in the Christmas season with the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. As part of the celebration, Ortigas Land President & CEO Jose Emmanuel “Junie” H. Jalandoni (far right) handed out gifts to children under the care of the San Juan City Social Welfare and Development Office. Together with Jalandoni were EVA Airways Corp. Junior Vice President Rick Hsieh (far left), San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and his son.

With a playful Texan twist, this year’s Christmas tree in GH Mall draws inspiration from the airline’s newly launched Taipei–Dallas-Fort Worth route that connects Filipinos to even more destinations across North America. 

To make the holidays even more exciting, RCBC joins the festivities with Holidays Around the World Raffle Promo, running from November 11, 2025 to January 15, 2026. The promo is open to RCBC credit cardholders who shop or dine at GH Mall during the period, earning raffle entries for a chance to win EVA Air tickets to dream destinations.

With the holiday season now in full swing, GH Mall takes you around the world with restaurants serving diverse cuisines, such as Japanese, Korean, and Italian, perfect for gatherings; international brands for shoppers’ gifting needs, and so much more. It’s the one-stop mall where shoppers can treat themselves to global experiences and even plane tickets to their next adventure.

For more information and updates on Ortigas Malls events, download the Ortigas Malls app, like and follow GH Mall on Facebook and Instagram, and join Ortigas Malls’ Viber Community.

(L-R) Dr. Fatma Tiu and Dr. Rey Rosales of Diabetes Philippines, Dr. Cyril Tolosa from AstraZeneca, and Mr. Reynaldo Abacan Jr. are united in the call to stop diabetes in a media conference held at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

MANILA, Philippines — Coinciding with World Diabetes Day, Diabetes Philippines and AstraZeneca officially launched the ‘STOP Diabetes ACT NOW,’ issuing an urgent call for Filipinos to have earlier screening for diabetes, a lifestyle disease affecting 4.7 million Filipino adults1 and the fifth leading cause of death in the country,2 and to significantly reduce the risk of developing severe life-threatening complications.

With the theme “Driving Better Diabetes Outcomes Through Early Screening and Holistic Care,” the speakers discussed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), the most common type of diabetes, and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a severe complication usually caused by T2D.

“As we celebrate World Diabetes Day, we in the medical community, as well as our patient partners, sound the bell to ACT NOW,” Dr. Francis Pasaporte, past president of Diabetes Philippines, said.

Understanding T2D

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.3 Insulin is a vital hormone that helps sugar, particularly glucose, be used for energy. When this process doesn’t work efficiently, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Left unmanaged, this can lead to several complications, such as Chronic Kidney Disease, where around 40% of T2D patients develop during their lifetime.

According to the latest report from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 7.5% or an estimated 4.7 million Filipinos aged 20-79 years old are living with the disease.1

Alarmingly, the same statistics also show that an estimated 53.5% of adults in the country remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for early screening of T2D to prevent disease progression.

The Philippine Statistics Authority also reported that diabetes was the fifth leading cause of mortality among Filipinos in 2024,2 emphasizing its severe impact on national health.

Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of Diabetes Philippines, highlights the growing burden of diabetes in Filipino families and highlights the shared responsibility behind the STOP Diabetes: ACT NOW movement during the interactive discussion, the World Diabetes Day Agham Kapihan.

“Diabetes is a big problem that is affecting our nation,” Dr. Rey Rosales, Treasurer of Diabetes Philippines, said, “Which is why early screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives and prevent severe complications such as CKD.”

STOP Diabetes, ACT NOW

Dr. Rey Rosales discussed the burden of diabetes, saying that 7 out of 10 working-class Filipinos are affected by diabetes, impacting their most productive years.

To unite in their call to halt the further progression of diabetes and its complications, healthcare experts, patient advocates, and partner organizations came together to launch the STOP Diabetes, ACT NOW campaign, encouraging Filipinos to get early screening and undergo treatment.

“Our battle cry has always been the diabetics of tomorrow will come from the children of today,” Dr. Fatma Tiu, President of  Diabetes Philippines, said. “We don’t need to look far—we will start by screening the family members of our diabetic patients, and through the Stop Diabetes program, we will create clinics all over the country utilizing PhilHealth programs.”

Patient advocates present in the forum shared how mindful eating and early screening can change lives for people, especially for avoiding severe complications like CKD.

“I hope more people become aware of the food they eat,” Arch. Cynthia Clemen Y. Duntz, president of the Diabetes Advocacy Society Inc., said. “In our community, we are science-based; we have members who are also endocrinologists, and they give their recommendations on what’s best.”

“Let’s get ourselves screened,” Reynaldo Abacan Jr, President of Dialysis PH, said. “Even if we don’t feel any symptoms at the moment, we might have developed the disease already. Which is why early screening is important, so we can give people the chance to implement lifestyle changes and get treatment.”

A representative from state-backed health insurer PhilHealth assured that members can receive financial assistance from the government through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package.

Dr. Lydia Labro of PhilHealth introduces updates to the YAKAP Program, including the addition of early diabetes screening to help Filipinos access know their status and get immediate care.

“We are now focusing not just on the curative, but also on the preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, and palliative,” Dr. Lydia Labro, representative for PhilHealth, said. “Under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Para sa Lahat program, we cover primary care consultations, essential diagnostic tests like HbA1c, which includes essential anti-diabetic medicine, so that every member can focus on their treatment.”

“Our bold ambition is to reduce and ultimately eliminate complications and deaths because of cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes.” Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director at AstraZeneca Philippines, said. “We’ve been continuously partnering with diabetes educators, patient groups, local government units, our doctors in the clinics, and drugstore chains to continuously look for these patients who have diabetes and screen them for kidney disease.”

Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director of AstraZeneca Philippines, highlights the company’s goal of eliminating deaths from cardiometabolic diseases and its partnerships to strengthen early diabetes and kidney disease screening.

To close the event, Dr. Nines Bautista, Vice President of Diabetes Philippines, reiterated the call for early screening and immediate treatment for diabetes.

“Let us renew our shared commitment to the call to action of Diabetes Philippines to STOP Diabetes, ACT NOW,” Dr. Bautista said. “We can make a lasting impact by promoting early screening, issuing prompt and effective treatment, and optimizing the management of co-morbid conditions and preventing the serious complications of diabetes.”

“Today, we are reminded that diabetes is not just a medical condition but a public health and a social concern that touches families and communities across our nation,” Dr. Bautista added. “Through awareness, education, and united action, we can empower every Filipino to live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives,” he added.

The event concluded with a commitment exercise, calling on everyone to involve their communities and help Filipinos take charge of their health and stop diabetes in its tracks.

CEU joins WURI’s global top 400 innovative universities for the second time  – a recognition that holds profound significance for its students, faculty, and academic community.

Centro Escolar University (CEU) has once again earned global recognition, securing the 259th spot among 1,253 universities worldwide in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). This places CEU among the top 400 institutions worldwide shaping the future of education through creative solutions, forward-thinking leadership, and meaningful impact.

This marks CEU’s second consecutive year in the WURI rankings, a global evaluation system that looks beyond traditional academic metrics to assess real-world contributions. From 268^th in 2024 to 259th in 2025, CEU’s steady rise reflects its deep-rooted commitment to excellence. The university continues to meet excellence, addressing today’s needs while preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.

WURI’s framework evaluates universities based on their real contributions to industry and society, using 16 categories that span both innovation targets (what institutions aim to achieve) and innovation means (how they achieve it).

Innovation with real-world impact

Beyond its place in the Global Top 400, CEU also earned high rankings in key WURI categories: 2025 – Rank 10 in Empowerment-Based Management; Rank 42 in Student Mobility and Openness; Rank 44 in Visionary Leadership; 2024 – Rank 23 in Industrial Application; Rank 27 in Support for Global Resilience; and Rank 36 in Leadership

These achievements are fueled by CEU’s academic culture, which thrives on innovation, collaboration, and purpose. The unwavering support of the university administration was instrumental in this success—providing the vision, resources, and encouragement needed to pursue WURI recognition at a global scale. This strong backing empowered the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (OSVPAA) to coordinate the effort, identifying and preparing program entries that best showcased CEU’s creativity, adaptability, and societal impact. By ensuring that each submission met WURI’s rigorous standards for Innovativeness, Implementability, and Impact, the OSVPAA played a pivotal role in securing CEU’s place among the world’s most innovative institutions.

Complementing this effort, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Institutional Development (ORIID) nurtures a research-driven culture, championing initiatives that address societal needs and translate academic insights into practical impact. This shared mission positions CEU as an institution guided by both a strong moral compass and strategic foresight.

Together, these efforts reflect CEU’s ongoing mission to empower learners and nurture leaders, producing graduates who are globally competent, socially conscious, and ready to make a meaningful mark.

Ensuring institutional excellence

CEU’s success in the WURI ranking reflects the synergy between the administration’s vision and the dedication of its academic leaders. With Dr. Teresa R. Perez, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, at the forefront, Dr. Maria Clara Perlita Erna V. Yabut, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Institutional Development & Corporate Information officer,  Dr. Rhoda C. Aguilar, University registrar, and Dr. Jean Ramirez, head of Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the university has built a strong framework for innovation in higher education.

Through collaborative leadership and campus-wide engagement, CEU ensures that its WURI-recognized programs are not isolated achievements, but part of a sustained journey of excellence and societal impact.

Pride in being Escolarian

This global distinction belongs to every Escolarian – past, present, and future. It is a shared milestone and a reminder that at CEU, innovation is not a slogan—it is a living practice, sustained by the daily work of educators, learners, and researchers who dare to imagine and create better ways forward.

For more information about CEU and its programs, visit www.ceu.edu.ph. You can also follow CEU on Facebook at @theCEUofficial, @CEUMalolosofficial, and @CEUMakati05.

The newly renovated Laoag City RHU III, transformed through the support of the SM Foundation, is set to become a primary healthcare facility. The upgraded center now features properly designated clinical areas and a comfortable new receiving area for patients.

Bridging the healthcare gap in Ilocos Norte, the Laoag City RHU III Primary Care Facility (PRF) and Birthing Home has reopened its doors after a full-scale renovation led by the SM Foundation.

The renovation introduced updates to the facility’s interior, including new LED lighting fixtures, modern appliances, and comfortable, patient-centered furnishings, along with the strategic use of air-cleaning paints in key areas to help maintain a sanitary environment.

The layout was also reconfigured to improve patient flow and support more efficient consultations and treatments.

Among the key parts of the project was the overhaul of the birthing facility to meet standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth. The enhancement is expected to support RHU III’s application for Primary Care Facility (PCF) accreditation and enable participation in PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program for expanded healthcare coverage.

Through the SM Foundation’s DigiKonsulta, Laoag City RHU III PRF and Birthing Home is now better equipped to pursue accreditation and prepare for the eventual implementation of the PhilHealth’s YAKAP program. The DigiKonsulta initiative also aims to help enhance patient management and recordkeeping.

Additional enhancements done by the foundation included the installation of a rainwater catchment system for sustainable water use and the rollout of its DigiKonsulta to support remote medical consultations and the digitalization of patient records.

Established in 2018, RHU III was designed to serve 23 barangays on the south side of the Padsan River or Laoag River, which had limited access to basic healthcare.

It offers preventive and primary care services, including immunization, disease surveillance, free consultations, dental care, and maternal health programs.

The improvements implemented by the foundation boost the RHU III’s plan to expand its capacity as a primary care provider for more than 35,000 residents.

The renovated dental station at Laoag City RHU III now provides a spacious, well-lit, and comfortable setting, enticing patients to avail of free oral health services.

With the refurbishment, the Laoag City RHU III PCF is designed to provide a safer, more supportive environment for mothers and infants, aligning with the facility’s application for birthing center accreditation.

Located near the city’s evacuation center, facility utilizes a rainwater harvesting system to secure a steady water supply for non-potable use, reducing reliance on main water lines and boosting the facility’s resilience during emergencies. 

SM Foundation has installed a mobile play cabinet designed to create a calming environment for children receiving medical care. The cabinet contains gender-neutral educational toys and interactive learning materials aimed at reducing anxiety during healthcare visits.