DepEd, partners map out Adopt-a-School, procurement solutions to close classroom gaps

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MANDALUYONG CITY, 10 October 2025 — The Department of Education (DepEd) has brought together its Adopt-a-School partners and private sector allies for a Classroom Market Scoping Activity—a key step toward mobilizing more partners to help address the country’s classroom backlog through transparent, standards-based collaboration. 

“Unang-una, prayoridad natin ang masiguro na maayos at matibay ang mga maipapatayo nating silid-aralan sa tulong ng ating partners. Nais din ng ating mahal na Pangulo, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., na mataas ang kalidad ng ating mga pasilidad sa mga susunod na taon,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.  

The activity presented DepEd’s latest classroom design and technical specifications, including those for Integrated Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) and WASH facilities, and provided updates on procurement modalities—particularly Negotiated Procurement and the Adopt-A-School Program (ASP)—to help partners align their projects with DepEd’s standards. 

The activity builds on DepEd’s series of market scoping sessions for Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS), Supplementary Learning Resources (SLRs), and education technology solutions, which have helped the Department map out supply availability, cost efficiency, and logistical feasibility for critical learning resources. 

More importantly, the engagement served as a working dialogue with partners to discuss financing models, implementation strategies, and entry points for collaboration under the Adopt-A-School framework. 

“Isa pong goal ng Market Scoping ay transparency,” Undersecretary for Procurement and Finance Oversight Rowena Candice Ruiz said. “We’re calling everyone in—we are presenting what we need, and we are making it known to our partners what our children need for their classrooms.” 

By opening its procurement pipeline and design plans, DepEd aims to bridge information gaps between the Department and potential implementers, making it easier for partners to identify viable investment areas and accelerate classroom construction nationwide. 

“This activity affirms the Department’s commitment to providing conducive learning spaces while upholding accountability and transparency,” Usec. Ruiz added. “We are opening our doors so our partners can clearly see how they can support not just DepEd, but our learners, teachers, and schools.” 

The event gathered key development and corporate partners, including Aboitiz, Angat Buhay, the Asian Development Bank, Ayala Foundation, Inc., China Bank Savings, City Savings Bank, Inc., the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), Generation Hope, Globe, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Hawkstow Construction and Development, Hybrid Solutions Asia, Jollibee Foods Corporation, EM Cuerpo, Inc. Construction, Net Solar, One Meralco Foundation, Republic Biscuit Corporation, Security Bank Foundation, and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, among others. 

Hosted at the Senate President Neptali Gonzales Integrated School in Mandaluyong City, the activity marks another milestone in DepEd’s ongoing effort to build stronger bridges with the private sector toward the shared vision of quality education for every Filipino learner. 

DepEd also announced plans to convene partners once more in November 2025 at the Classroom Summit in Clark, Pampanga, to finalize partnership models and formalize commitments forged through the market scoping process. 

World Pet Expo 2025: Redefining World-class industry experience

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The inaugural World Pet Expo 2025 successfully concluded its first-ever run last September 25–28, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, marking a historic milestone as the Philippines’ first and largest all-inclusive pet expo. Drawing an impressive 35,780 attendees and 16,840 pets over four days, the event brought together pet lovers, industry leaders, exhibitors, and organizations on one vibrant platform that celebrated the pet industry like never before. From innovative showcases to exciting competitions and informative talks, World Pet Expo 2025 became a hub of discovery, connection, and celebration for the growing pet-loving community.

Behind this groundbreaking event is Worldbex Services International (WSI), the country’s leading exhibitions and events organizer. With a solid reputation for pioneering world-class trade shows across multiple industries, WSI extended its expertise to the pet sector, creating a first-of-its-kind expo that combined advocacy, entertainment, and innovation. By uniting exhibitors, partners, and enthusiasts, World Pet Expo 2025 not only highlighted the dynamic growth of the pet industry but also fostered a stronger, more connected community of pet owners and advocates.

The overwhelming success of World Pet Expo 2025 affirms the start of a lasting legacy—one that strengthens the bond between humans and animals while spearheading responsible pet care and welfare. As it sets the bar higher for future editions, World Pet Expo promises to remain the ultimate platform for collaboration, education, and celebration in the ever-growing world of pets.

The World Pet Expo 2025 is organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. For inquiries and concerns, you may reach us at (02)8656-92-69 or email us at inquire@worldbexevents.com

From Bohol streets to the Geeks On A Beach: Pedi App empowers tricycle drivers

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Cebu, Philippines – Pedi App, a homegrown local ride-hailing platform born in the streets of Tagbilaran, Bohol, is giving tricycle drivers new earning opportunities while offering commuters a fairer and safer way to travel. This year, Pedi App joined in Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) 2025 in Mactan, Cebu, where innovators, founders, and investors came together to celebrate Philippine startups making an impact from the ground up.


“At first, the idea was simple — could we help drivers earn more by becoming guides or even local real estate scouts, since they know the towns and barangays better than anyone? This was the idea of my co-founder Feliciano “Doy” Agta, a real estate businessman and son of a tricycle driver,” said Reagan Loberternos, Pedi App CEO and Co-Founder.


“When I came on board with co-founders Christian Lugod and Erwin Saycon, the idea evolved further. To address the problem facing commuters who have to haggle and feel overcharged, especially in tourist areas, we thought of building a platform that could regulate fares while ensuring drivers still earned a fair remuneration,” said Loberternos.


A researcher and entrepreneur, Loberternos brings intellectual depth, credibility and longevity to the startup. He holds a Master’s degree in Material Sciences at the University of the Philippines and previously served as a Research Fellow at the UP Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory.


Empowering Bohol’s tricycle drivers and commuters


Development of Pedi App began in 2021, and it was launched in Tagbilaran City in September 2022. Since then, the app has attracted 22,000 registered users and has over 400 active drivers.


Most passengers using the app are locals. However, there is a growing number of tourists, especially foreign visitors facing language barriers, who rely on the app for its transparent fare system. For drivers, the platform can provide an additional income of ₱800 to ₱1,000 daily by completing just 10 bookings, helping to supplement their traditional street hires.


“Unlike transnational ride-hailing companies, Pedi App was developed entirely by a local team,” said Loberternos. “That allows us to quickly customize features for each municipality and better understand the social and economic realities on the ground,” he added.


All drivers undergo training and must present a valid driver’s license and franchise before being onboarded. The app enforces standardized fares, and commuters can report overcharging or misconduct, which can lead to penalties or suspension.


Expanding beyond just rides


The app is now expanding beyond just rides. It is piloting several new features, including Pedi Xpress for deliveries, PediPay for digital transactions, and Pedi E-Ticket for ferry and transport bookings.


Discussions are underway to launch in Dumaguete by the end of the year. The franchise-style system will allow local operators to manage front-end services while Pedi provides the technological infrastructure. There has also been interest from partners across Southeast Asia and as far away as Denver, Colorado.


There are challenges to overcome: some tricycle drivers remain hesitant to adopt smartphones, while others are concerned about competition within the app. However, positive impact stories continue to emerge—such as those of drivers who have steadily increased their income and a disabled government employee who now relies on Pedi App for daily mobility.


For Loberternos and his team, the long-term vision is clear. “We see the Pedi App not just in Bohol, but in other parts of the Philippines, in Southeast Asia, and every place where tricycles and tuk-tuks are a part of daily life,” he said.


A community behind Pedi App


Pedi App’s journey is not only a testament to innovation but also to the supportive community that nurtured it. The startup is part of the Bohol Island State University Technology Business Incubator (BISU TBI) in Bohol, which provided essential guidance and mentorship during its early stages of development.


When GOAB was held in Bohol in 2023, the Pedi App team applied and was accepted as volunteers. This experience inspired them to continue growing. Two years later, Pedi App returned to GOAB not as volunteers but as participants.


This year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol invited and sponsored the team’s participation in GOAB 2025, highlighting the increasing support for Bohol’s startup ecosystem.


Pedi App’s innovation has also garnered international recognition, with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) featuring its creative use of technology to empower local transport.