Rex Education Celebrates 75 Years of Commitment to Education at AECON 2025

Ms. Amy Berry (Director, EngagED Consulting, Author of Reimagining Student Engagement: From Disrupting to Driving) and Atty. Dominador Buhain (Chairman & President, Rex Education)

 Rex Education marked its 75th anniversary at AECON 2025, held on January 16-17 at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque. The theme, celebrating 75 Years of Commitment to Quality Education: Seamless and Meaningful Learning Experiences Through Assessment, Intervention, and Enrichment, highlighted the company’s dedication to education. Nearly 1,000 educators, school leaders, and stakeholders attended the two-day event, which focused on addressing key educational challenges through insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing.

Gathering of Change Makers in Education

Each year, AECON addresses pressing issues in education, equipping teachers and leaders with valuable insights and solutions. This year, as part of its 75th anniversary, the focus is on creating seamless and meaningful learning experiences for every learner and educator.

In his opening remarks, REX COO Roger John Y. Fontelera highlighted that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. He stated, "This year’s AECON isn’t about giving ready-made solutions. Instead, it’s about creating a space for reflection, learning, and collaboration. We want to provide you with stepping stones—resources, strategies, and ideas—that you can adapt to meet the specific needs of your schools, communities, and learners."

Dr. Edizon Fermin (Vice President for Academic Affairs, National Teachers College), Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo (Professor, UP College of Education, Former Undersecretary of Curriculum & Instruction, DepEd), Ms. Rhodora Angela Ferrer (Executive Director, Private Education Assistance Committee - PEAC), Atty. Dominador Buhain (Chairman & President, Rex Education), Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada (Legal Counsel for COCOPEA, Managing Partner of Estrada & Aquino Law, Education Law expert) and Mr. Don Timothy Buhain (Chief Executive Officer, Rex Education) 

Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of preparing Filipino learners for an increasingly digital world. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing future-ready learners by integrating technology, enhancing critical thinking, and strengthening public-private collaborations.

One key session featured a panel discussion with respected education experts and policymakers:

Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director o of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2)
Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo, Professor at the University of the Philippines and former DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching
Ms. Rhodora Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC)
Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, Legal Counsel of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA)

Moderated by Dr. Edizon Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at National Teachers College, the discussion focused on improving learning outcomes in the Philippines. It emphasized evidence-based policy decisions, stronger accountability among education leaders, and the importance of authentic assessments to accurately measure student progress.

In the afternoon, Dr. Amy Berry, Director of EngagED Consulting, led a plenary session on student engagement. She challenged traditional approaches and introduced innovative methods that empower both teachers and students to co-create meaningful learning experiences.

A Moment of Gratitude and the Symphony of Learning

The second day of AECON began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Jesse Mercado, Bishop of Parañaque, reflecting on the journey of Rex Education and its mission to support Filipino education.

After the mass, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain introduced the Symphony of Learning Solutions, a suite of educational resources supporting lifelong learning, from early childhood to professional development. This initiative highlights REX’s commitment to integrating assessment, intervention, and enrichment for educators and learners.

Buhain compared learning to a symphony, where every effort, resource, and voice comes together to create something meaningful. He assured, "The symphony will improve—with practice, continuous learning, change, and execution. In the future, there will be additions when they are necessary. We will listen and count on our Edukampyon community, including the voice of our learners."

The Symphony of Learning Solutions includes lesson exemplars, learning instruments, digital platforms like Schoology, and targeted assessments to ensure well-rounded education at every stage.

A Unified Pledge for Quality Education

As the congress concluded, a spirit of unity filled the hall as attendees stood for the Edukampyon Pledge. Led by Jeanne Marie Tordesillas, Chief Marketing Officer of REX, this solemn moment reaffirmed the commitment of educators and education stakeholders to advancing quality education, advocating for policies that support meaningful learning, and prioritizing the best interests of Filipino learners.

Mr. Don Timothy Buhain (Chief Executive Officer, Rex Education), Dr. Karol Mark Yee (Executive Director, 2nd Congressional Commission on Education - Phils) and Atty. Dominador Buhain (Chairman & President, Rex Education) 

75 Years and Beyond: The Edukampyon Commitment

Reaching 75 years is a testament to Rex Education’s dedication to every learner and educator it has served. The journey continues.

In his message of gratitude, REX Chairman and President Atty. Dominador Buhain thanked all the Edukampyons and shared, "Seventy-five years, and our work is not yet done. The future demands more from us, and we accept that challenge with open hearts and minds... We vow to continue listening, learning, and innovating to provide high-quality learning solutions for every Filipino learner."

As Rex Education looks beyond 75 years, its commitment remains—to be the trusted katuwang of every Filipino educator, school, and learner, fostering lifelong learning for generations—para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan, for life.

LBC Express Bags Top Industry Awards to Cement Its ‘Hari ng Padala’ Legacy

 LBC Express maintains its status as the country’s most trusted logistics and financial service provider after securing three major industry awards. These recognitions underscore LBC’s excellence across key sectors, including air cargo, freight deconsolidation, and secure financial deliveries, and emphasize its commitment to excellent service for Filipinos worldwide.

Last March, LBC won the prestigious Diamond Award from Philippine Airlines (PAL), recognizing the company as the top contributor in air cargo volume. This award demonstrates LBC’s continued dominance in air freight, guaranteeing fast and efficient deliveries across the Philippines and beyond.

Besides its successful air shipments, LBC has further proven its reliability in freight forwarding. In January 2025, the Bureau of Customs - Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) named LBC as the Top Deconsolidator. This award is given to companies that excel in efficiently processing and distributing consolidated shipments. Winning this award highlights LBC’s expertise in managing high-volume logistics, facilitating smooth cargo clearance and providing efficient last-mile delivery for both businesses and individuals.

LBC’s commitment to secure and reliable service also extends to financial deliveries. Last December 2024, LBC received the CCAP Platinum Award from the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) for safely delivering credit cards to stakeholders. This underscores LBC’s dedication to protecting financial transactions and maintaining trust in every delivery.

“These awards reaffirm our mission to serve Filipinos with speed, security, and efficiency,” said LBC Express President Mike A. Camahort. “Whether it’s moving goods, supporting businesses, or ensuring financial security, LBC remains committed to delivering with excellence. As the ‘Hari ng Padala,’ we take pride in being the trusted link that connects Filipinos to opportunities, wherever they may be,” added Camahort. 

With these recognitions under its belt, LBC continues to lead the way in providing reliable logistics and financial services—proving that when it comes to reliable, secure, and efficient deliveries, there’s only one ‘Hari ng Padala.’

Looking for a reliable logistics partner that can help your business grow? Boost your business with LBC Express’ Business Solutions today. To know more, visit LBC Express’ official website or follow their social media pages (Instagram | Facebook) for the latest updates.

BDO powers electric mobility through commitment to green transport initiatives

 

Advancing Sustainable Mobility. BDO’s Institutional Banking Group (IBG) shows full support at the launch of Mober Central Charge, standing alongside the electric vehicle fleet financed by BDO Unibank Inc. This reinforces the Bank’s commitment to sustainable transport and green logistics. In photo (L-R) Ann Claryn Yap, BDO’s Manager of Commercial Banking Metro Manila North A2; Jeffrey Ang, BDO’s First Vice President and Unit Head of Commercial Banking Metro Manila North A2; Jeanette Javellana, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking for Metro Manila & Luzon; Dennis Ng, CEO of Mober; and Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group.

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) plays a vital role in driving economic progress while advancing sustainability through eco-friendly practices. As part of this commitment, BDO financed the acquisition of Mober’s 60 electric vehicle (EV) trucks enabling the company to expand its operations as a pioneer in green logistics.

 

“BDO supports our fleet expansion, allowing us to take a significant step toward building a more sustainable logistics industry,” shared Dennis Ng, CEO of Mober.

 

“We are dedicated to the advancement of sustainable business practices, helping enterprises transition toward a greener future. By supporting initiatives that drive electric mobility and green logistics, we contribute to building a cleaner, more resilient economy,” said Charles M. Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group of BDO Unibank.

 

BDO’s financing reaffirms its dedication to support green technologies and foster sustainable development. By backing Mober’s EV trucks acquisition, the Bank is enabling this environmental-friendly logistics company to scale its operations while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

 

Mober recently unveiled Central Charge, its state-of-the-art EV charging hub in Pasay City to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle logistics operations. Recognized as the country’s largest commercial EV charging facility, Mober Central Charge aligns with the firm’s vision of positioning the Philippines as a leader in sustainable logistics.

Driving the Future of Green Transport. BDO’s Charles Rodriguez powers up one of the electric trucks funded by BDO at the launch of Mober Central Charge, strengthening BDO’s support for eco-friendly mobility in the country.

 

Spanning 3,000 square meters with a 56-port capacity, the hub is designed to serve a mixed fleet of e-vans and e-trucks. Through a structured three-shift system, it can charge up to 200 EV trucks daily, ensuring round-the-clock logistics operations. Strategically located near Metro Manila’s key commercial areas, the facility will enhance delivery efficiency for major clients including Ikea, SM Appliances, Nestle Philippines and Maersk.

 

As BDO continues to promote financing programs for renewable energy and eco-friendly initiatives, the Bank aims to inspire other financial institutions and companies to drive meaningful change by adopting sustainable practices.

 

BDO backs NAIA modernization to boost air mobility

 

Recognizing the vital role of infrastructure in national progress, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) remains committed to supporting projects that help advance essential services and drive sustainable growth. Through its participation in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) modernization, BDO continues to be a strong partner in transforming the Philippines’ primary gateway, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities in the country.

 

Facilitated by BDO’s Institutional Banking Group and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital), BDO helped secure PHP 80 billion (US$ 1.42 billion) in funding for New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the consortium awarded the concession to rehabilitate and modernize NAIA. The consortium, led by San Miguel Holdings Corporation, the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) alongside RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), aims to significantly improve the airport’s efficiency and passenger experience.

 

SMC, a key member of NNIC, contributes its extensive infrastructure expertise and market leadership, with businesses spanning multiple industries and driving approximately 6% of the Philippines’ GDP. Meanwhile, IIAC, a wholly-owned entity of the Korean government and the operator of South Korea’s Incheon airport, one of Asia’s busiest airports, brings global practices in airport management, technology and operational efficiency. Their involvement underscores the confidence of international stakeholders in the Philippines’ economic potential and infrastructure modernization efforts.

Transforming NAIA. The NAIA modernization aims to boost connectivity and enhance customer experience

 

BDO’s ability to swiftly mobilize significant capital in a tight timeframe demonstrates its leadership in large scale infrastructure investment. BDO Capital, in collaboration with other investment banks, structured a deal that ensured a seamless funding process for NNIC, overcoming complex market dynamics.

 

“BDO has been a steadfast partner in infrastructure development, ensuring projects like the NAIA modernization have the necessary financial backing to succeed. This initiative will drive economic growth, improve air mobility, and enhance the Philippines’ position as a regional hub,” said Eduardo V. Francisco, President of BDO Capital.

 

Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group, added “We take pride in supporting transformative projects that create long-term value for businesses and communities. The modernization of NAIA is a milestone in improving air travel efficiency and accessibility for millions of Filipinos.”

 

BDO’s support has been crucial in providing the resources needed to modernize NAIA. Their financial expertise strengthens our efforts to transform the airport into a world-class gateway that drives economic growth, improves connectivity, and delivers a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers," said Angelito Alvarez, NNIC’s General Manager.

 

The NAIA modernization project, awarded before the end of 2024, was one of the administration’s priority undertakings. Understanding the fiscal challenges inherited by the current administration, BDO is leveraging private sector collaboration to ensure critical infrastructure initiatives remain on track. This landmark transaction highlights BDO’s support to the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs, fostering improved air mobility and infrastructure development. As the largest PPP under the current administration, this project is expected to generate substantial revenue for the Philippine government while creating new jobs, boosting tourism, and attracting foreign investment. 

 

The modernization of NAIA is a crucial component of a broader transport infrastructure upgrade, complementing projects such as the Metro Manila subway and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Together, these initiatives will create a more integrated and efficient transportation network, driving economic opportunities and reinforcing the country’s position in the global market.

 

Family emergency fund: Save now and get an extra layer of protection

Added layer of protection for your family. Receive free P3M life insurance coverage when you open a savings or checking account with BDO.

Think about your family's future. What do you see? 

Perhaps it's your child graduating with flying colors from a top university, your dream business finally opening its doors, or the love of your life walking down the aisle. Whatever your dreams or aspirations are, it is essential to work on your family’s future with a sound financial plan, starting with a family emergency fund.

There is nothing like peace of mind knowing your loved ones are financially protected from the impact of emergencies or sickness. This protection gives your family a solid foundation to confidently take the next step.  

Additionally, it’s vital to combine savings with life insurance in your financial plan to protect your loved ones from financial strain during unforeseen events, ensuring they rely less on the emergency fund.

With BDO, you can get an added layer of protection for your savings. By opening a BDO Smart Checking, ATM Savings, Passbook Savings, or Peso Checking account, you unlock the benefits of a savings account that comes with free life insurance coverage of P3 million. Simply maintain the required minimum initial deposit in your account for up to six months. Signing up is fast and easy with no medical exams required.

Apart from choosing the right bank, here are other things to consider when building a family emergency fund:

• Size matters. The larger the family, the larger the emergency fund. The recommended amount for an emergency fund is three to six months’ worth of living expenses. For larger families, you may want to increase that amount to 12 months. 

• Early planning. The sooner you start, the better. Consider planning your emergency fund with your partner even before starting a family.

• Family fund. Establish a separate emergency fund for your family. Although you may have a personal emergency fund, building one for your family helps manage household expenses and handle bigger financial needs.  

• Accessible and secure. You should be able to tap into your family emergency fund quickly without the lengthy process of liquidating assets. A top and trusted bank such as BDO protects your money against possible financial collapses.

When embarking on your financial journey, remember that each family’s needs and circumstances are unique. One crucial step is to select a bank that exemplifies a strong commitment to care. 

By choosing BDO, you can confidently take the first step towards securing your family’s future. Don’t miss out on this limited offer until May 15, 2025. Visit your nearest BDO branch today or head on to www.bdo.com.ph.

Primary health care accessible to more Filipinos

For the benefit of communities in need. After reaching its 200th rural health unit milestone, BDO Foundation reaffirms its commitment to improve health facilities patient care through the rehabilitation of health centers.

To give more Filipinos access to primary health care services—this is a commitment that BDO Foundation continues to uphold as one of its core advocacies. Over the past years, the organization has been rehabilitating rural health units (RHUs) nationwide, and recently, it reached its 200th rehabilitated RHU as it turned over the newly renovated Rural Health Unit of San Jose in Camarines Sur—a major milestone for the foundation.

For BDO Foundation, this milestone serves as a driving force to continuously move forward and reach more Filipinos nationwide. 

“With every RHU we turn over, we think about the thousands of Filipinos who will benefit from the facility. We hope that through our humble contribution to the community, we empower health workers to serve their patients better and we help patients gain better access to primary health services,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

The newly rehabilitated RHU of San Jose is a one-story building that serves more than 45,000 Filipinos in 29 barangays. The foundation renovated the facility, improving its interiors and exteriors, ensuring its accessibility to persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and making comfortable spaces available for breastfeeding mothers and elderly patients.

In his message to the community, San Jose municipal health officer Dr. Arnel Armea said, “This support empowers our health care personnel to perform their duties with dignity and ensure that our community receives the care they deserve.”

“With this rehabilitated facility, mayroon nang space para sa lahat!” he concluded.

The RHU, serving as the first line of defense of communities in maintaining their health and wellness, is a facility that patients go to for routine check-ups, immunization, and preventive health care.

Moving forward, BDO Foundation will continue to uphold its mission to strengthen the healthcare delivery system at the grassroots level through the rehabilitation of health facilities in partnership with local government units as well as BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. 

Experience All the Fun and Excitement at the Philippine Book Festival

 The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s largest all-Filipino book festival, is back—this time at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, happening from March 13-16, 2025.

The free four-day festival by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) puts Philippine books at the center of a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with authors.

A Fiesta of Filipino Culture through Literature

The PBF 2025 promises to be more festive, putting the spotlight on the country’s famous festivals, each one designed by some of the best Filipino artists working today.

The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreu, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to textbooks, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbënga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

A design highlight is the Pakyawan Plaza, the festival’s centerpiece which has become a crowd favorite. The intricately designed Pahiyas Festival-themed activation space features a large bahay kubo, inside which fairgoers can browse collections of children’s books.

A New Location for a More Accessible Experience

The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 2025 moves to a new venue—at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location has brought new energy to the festival and can draw an even larger audience.

For one, the new PBF site is strategically located in a mall at the heart of Metro Manila, making it easily accessible. Visitors can reach it via the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and the EDSA Busway, providing convenient transport for those coming from surrounding areas like Caloocan City, Quezon City, Makati City, Taguig City, and even from those on the eastern side such as Cainta, Taytay, and the cities of Antipolo, Pasig, and of course, Mandaluyong.

“The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas,” explained NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

Strides Toward Addressing Systemic Gaps

Led by Aquino-Tugade and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, the PBF has achieved a groundbreaking milestone—procuring over PHP 925 million worth of Philippine trade books and textbooks.

Through the PBF, the NBDB, an attached agency of the DepEd, provides space for DepEd’s regional and district offices to purchase quality books and engage with fellow educators and professionals from the book publishing industry. The large-scale institutional purchase by DepEd addresses the issues of access and readership, bringing books to thousands of readers all over the Philippines.

“The PBF is our love letter to Philippine books—its creators and its readers, and the many stories they have told about our people. It’s also our response to our country’s reading crisis, which is largely a problem of access. The PBF creates that marketplace for quality Filipino titles, and serves as a bridge between those books and readers across the country,” Aquino-Tugade said.

“We have a large role to play in not just growing the book industry but in shaping the environments that make reading possible for all sectors of the population. The NBDB and its partners will continue to work against lack of access by saturating the market and our schools with quality Philippine-authored and published books,” Aquino-Tugade concluded.

BDO Foundation and Institute for Solidarity in Asia forge partnership

Partners for progress. Heads of BDO Foundation, BDO Network Bank, and ISA affirm their commitment to support the partnership project.

 BDO Foundation signed a partnership agreement with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), formalizing its support for the implementation of the Performance Governance System (PGS) for two provincial governments and five schools divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd). 

The ceremonial signing was led by BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito (2nd from left), ISA CEO Evaristo Francisco (3rd from left), and BDO Foundation trustee and BDO Branch Banking Group head Ma. Corazon Mallillin (3rd from right). BDO Network Bank president Jesus Antonio Itchon (2nd from right), and BDO Network Bank Salary Loans Group head Alberto Quiogue (rightmost) witnessed the event.  

 

The PGS is a collaborative framework for designing and executing roadmaps for long-term reform. It collects best practices in finding strategies that would meet the rising needs of Philippine public sector institutions.

Alsons Dev Brings The Mind Museum’s Mind Rover Museum-on-Wheels to Avia Estate

Alsons Dev, in partnership with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. (CLAFI), brings The Mind Rover to Avia Estate, giving public school students in Sarangani an immersive, hands-on science learning experience.

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) has recently partnered with Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI), the organization behind The Mind Museum, to bring The Mind Rover to Avia Estate, Alsons Dev’s 121-hectare township in Alabel, Sarangani. This initiative makes the multi-awarded, globally recognized science museum experience accessible to public school students at no cost.

Through the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation (CLAFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Alcantara Group, the Avia Estate leg welcomed around 200 students from IP-integrated schools (IS) in the Sarangani Province such as Datal Basak IS and Lebe IS in Maasim; Malandag Central Elementary School, Pulatana IS, and Malungon National High School in Malungon; Policarpo H. Millona Central Integrated School and Lun Padidu National High School in Malapatan; and Paraiso IS and Sofan IS in Alabel.   

During their visit, the students explored interactive exhibits in the Mind Rover representing The Mind Museum's five unique galleries: Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology. They also enjoyed special screenings of Mind S-Cool TV, a family-friendly show that makes science and the arts fun and engaging.

To make the most of their learning experience, the students also toured the Alabel Public Safety and Security Complex, home to a Fire Substation, Community Police Assistance Center, and Emergency Operations Center built and donated by Alsons Dev to the Alabel LGU. While waiting, the students enjoyed reading CLAFI's Flalok Big Books, a collection of illustrated folklore of the Blaan Indigenous Peoples in Sarangani Province and General Santos. These books preserve traditional Blaan stories, originally passed down orally, by presenting them in written and illustrated forms that reflect Blaan culture.

Through this initiative, Alsons Dev strengthened the company’s commitment to empowering Sarangani communities by making transformative learning experiences more accessible and by advocating for education as a cornerstone of community development.

The Mind Rover Avia Estate leg, the first of three stops in the SOX Region, was made possible by BAFI and 2Go with local partners Alsons Dev and CLAFI, with the support of the Malungon, Malapatan, and Alabel LGUs, Sarangani Energy Corporation, Department of Education - Sarangani Division, and NutriAsia.

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