AGP Executive Report

Filipino Pop: SB19 and BINI are making the case for the Grammys’ new Asian pop category, calling it a chance to bring Filipino music to a wider audience. Film & Family: Dolly de Leon says her grandmothers helped inspire her Lola Fatima role in DreamWorks’ Filipino-inspired animated film Forgotten Island. Sports: Carlos Yulo leads the Philippine team at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, aiming to build on his Asian Games golds. Nine young Filipino athletes will also compete at the Dakar Youth Olympics later this month. Food & Heritage: The government is expanding ube production to meet export demand, with support for farmers and processing. Filipino Hospitality: Philippine Airlines has been named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline for 2026, recognizing its efforts to bring Filipino warmth and culture to passengers.

Children & Schools: The House passed a bill barring children under 13 from social media, while 230 public-school staff received scholarships to help fill the shortage of guidance counselors. ACT Davao also condemned red-tagging posters found outside a teachers’ assembly. Arts & Heritage: SB19 and BINI are campaigning for Grammy nominations, and a new project is bringing painter Nena Saguil’s legacy to younger audiences. President Marcos said Indigenous communities and burial sites would be protected as the Philippines joins the Pax Silica initiative. Filipino Athletes: Carlos Yulo will lead the Philippine team at the Oct. 17–25 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, joined by his younger brother Karl Eldrew. Nine young athletes are also set to represent the country at the Dakar Youth Olympics later this month.

Safer Schools: DepEd’s safety week is promoting anti-bullying, violence prevention and digital parenting. Police say online threats in Samar were unsubstantiated, and classes will continue. Child Online Safety: Psychologists warn that blanket social-media bans may limit learning and connection; they urge safeguards focused on harmful platform features as lawmakers reconcile competing bills. Filipino Food: The Department of Tourism and FEATR are spotlighting Michelin-recognized restaurants, with chefs showcasing regional dishes and the country’s culinary identity. Heritage & Livelihood: Vigan is giving rice aid to kutseros, recognizing horse-drawn carriage drivers as both heritage bearers and guides to the UNESCO-listed city. Education: E-Net Philippines says proposed cuts to classroom construction and school computer programs could deepen learning gaps for disadvantaged students. Behind the Screens: A report on Manila-based content moderators describes punishing quotas and exposure to disturbing material, raising concerns about workers’ mental health.

Heritage & Livelihood: Vigan’s horse-drawn carriage drivers received rice assistance in recognition of their role as cultural ambassadors and guardians of the UNESCO-listed city’s heritage. Child Safety: The Psychological Association of the Philippines urged lawmakers to protect children online without relying on a blanket age-based ban, as schools mark National School Safety Week with lessons on bullying, violence and online exploitation. Youth Achievement: Seventeen students from Valencia National High School qualified for an international science competition in South Korea, but travel costs of up to ₱150,000 per student could keep some from competing. Filipino Arts: Cebuano short film Gasolina earned four FAMAS nominations, while Baguio’s Tam-awan Village marked its 16th international arts festival. Faith & Identity: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle became the first Asian dean of the College of Cardinals, a historic milestone for the Filipino Catholic community.

Film: Cebuano short film Gasolina earned four FAMAS nominations, including Best Picture and Best Regional Film, for its story of a father’s sacrifices. Tourism & Heritage: The Philippines won six regional World Travel Awards, including its first Asia’s Leading Cultural City title for San Fernando, Pampanga, recognized for its crafts, food and Giant Lantern Festival. Faith & Tradition: Quiapo Church revealed the logo and theme for the 2027 Feast of the Black Nazarene, inviting devotees to continue their path of faith and service. Food & Community: Southern California’s UbeFest drew an estimated 40,000 people for Filipino food and culture, while Pinoy Poolooza brought Filipino American History Month festivities to a water park for the first time. Arts & Craft: Baguio’s Tam-awan arts festival marked its 16th year, while Paete’s hand-carved taká tradition looks to a new generation of makers. Boracay: Kaban Boracay opened a new resort, dining and entertainment destination, with nearly 400 jobs expected, many for workers from the Visayas.

Faith and Tradition: Quiapo Church has unveiled the logo and theme for the Black Nazarene feast in January 2027, following this year’s record 9.64 million devotees. Church Leadership: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is the first Filipino and Asian elected dean of the College of Cardinals. Filipino Stories on Screen: E del Mundo’s Once Upon a Time in the Philippines, presented at Busan’s Asian Project Market, follows a young woman drawn into complicity in a political massacre inspired by the 2009 Maguindanao killings. OPM Abroad: KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde brought their “In Between” concert to Filipino fans in Doha, continuing a tour built around their contrasting musical styles and relationship. Youth and Family: An Ateneo photo project gives teenage parents a platform to share the strain of balancing school, work and caring for a child. Food Culture: Filipino cuisine is finding new audiences abroad, with restaurants reworking classics such as adobo, inasal and lechon while celebrating the traditions behind them.

Arts & Heritage: Baguio’s Tam-awan Village is wrapping up its 16th international arts festival, with weaving workshops, performances and a focus on keeping Cordilleran heritage alive. Queer Culture: Cebu drag artist Sheng Mai, the persona of 21-year-old student Jules Dela Peña, uses performance to celebrate queer belonging and challenge expectations. Film & Literature: A new screen adaptation of Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura, starring Shaina Magdayao and JC de Vera, aims to bring the Filipino classic to a new generation. The Philippines has also revamped its international co-production fund, with grants for projects involving Filipino producers and creatives. Pageants: Miss Grand Philippines’ Angelica Lopez has bowed out of the international contest after hoping to extend the country’s winning streak; Cebu’s Gabrielle Galapia reached the Miss Asia Pacific International Top Five. Faith: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has become the first Filipino and Asian dean of the College of Cardinals. Youth & Technology: The Senate passed a bill requiring platforms to use age checks for minors, while mental health advocates warn that a blanket social media ban won’t address the roots of youth safety concerns.

Pageants: Filipino contestant Gabrielle Galapia advanced to the Top 11 at Miss Asia Pacific International, hosted in Cebu for a second year. Angelica Lopez reached the Top 25 at Miss Grand International and won Best in National Costume for her Mangkukulam-inspired look. Music: SB19 leads the 11th PPop Music Awards nominations with six; BINI earned four, including nods in major categories. Film & Literature: A new screen adaptation of Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura, starring Shaina Magdayao and JC de Vera, aims to bring the classic to a new generation. Youth & Well-being: The Philippine Mental Health Association says a blanket social media ban for minors won’t prevent violence, calling instead for stronger online safeguards and support from families, schools and communities. Faith: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been elected dean of the College of Cardinals, becoming the first Asian to hold the post. Children & Climate: UNICEF warns a powerful El Niño could threaten children’s health, education and safety worldwide, including in the Philippines.

Church: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been approved as dean of the College of Cardinals, becoming the first Asian to hold the role. Youth Well-being: The Philippine Mental Health Association says a blanket social-media ban will not keep young people safe, urging stronger platform safeguards alongside mental-health support at home and in schools. Children’s Health: Child stunting rose to 25.3% in 2025 from 23.6% in 2023, prompting calls for coordinated nutrition programs and better data. Film: Filipino-France animation Zsazsa Zaturnnah is among nine films selected for the Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival’s feature competition. Food Culture: Cebu’s cocktail scene takes the spotlight at PH Cocktail Fiesta, with nearly 40 venues, 25 guest shifts and pairings, and nine award-winning bars.

Faith & Influence: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has become the first Asian dean of the College of Cardinals after Pope Leo XIV approved his election. The former Manila archbishop will help lead the Church through a future papal transition. Filipino Heritage on Screen: The docuseries A Study on Beauty is heading to MIPCOM, with a Philippines chapter exploring matriarchal heritage, colonial history and Indigenous traditions, including the work of Kalinga tattoo artist Whang-Od. Youth & Digital Life: The Philippine Mental Health Association calls a proposed social media restriction for under-18s a “non-solution,” urging stronger platform safeguards and more support from families, schools and communities. Culture & Creativity: SB19 has joined a Senate push to open global opportunities for Filipino creatives, while the NCCA is seeking nominations for the 2026 GAMABA awards in Mindanao. Children’s Welfare: BARMM labor officials rescued 120 children working in markets and on the streets, with rehabilitation and cash assistance planned.

Youth Learning: Sun Life Foundation renewed Project SUNRISE, supporting 125 Cebu students with school costs, career guidance and skills training through college. Child Safety: Authorities say they stopped 53 planned school shootings in South Cotabato after a deadly September attack; more than 50 people were arrested over threats or alleged grooming. Filipino Heritage Abroad: British Columbia’s two main parties each pledged $15 million toward a permanent Filipino cultural centre, alongside an earlier federal commitment. Boracay Community: Bishops from Capiz, Aklan and Romblon urged officials to consider how a casino could affect families and vulnerable residents. Tourism & Heritage: A House panel approved bills to designate seven Romblon sites and communities as tourism, ecotourism and heritage destinations.

Folklore in the Spotlight: Angelica Lopez brought Filipino “mangkukulam” folklore to the Miss Grand International stage through her national costume. Filipino Theatre: Lea Salonga takes on a fierce matriarch in Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba, while queer stage icon Zsazsa Zaturnnah is set to return in 2027. Heritage and Travel: Seven proposed measures would promote Romblon sites—including Banton, the Blue Hole Underwater Park and Gorda Point Lighthouse—as tourism, ecotourism or heritage destinations. Young Athletes: Gilas Pilipinas Youth lost to China but can still reach the 2027 U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup by beating Chinese Taipei for the final Asian berth. Alex Eala, meanwhile, reflected on learning to process criticism after a tough match.

Folklore on the World Stage: Angelica Lopez brought the Philippine “mangkukulam” to the Miss Grand International stage in a dramatic, 19-kilogram costume inspired by local folklore. Film and Heritage: DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island draws on Filipino mythology and music, including the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ; the Japanese Film Festival is also touring six Philippine cities through November. Student Well-Being: Catholic school leaders urged educators to spot signs of bullying, loneliness and anxiety, and strengthen counseling and support for students. Education Access: A ratified scholarship bill would fund college and technical education for deserving students, including costs beyond tuition. Community and Coast: Artists and fisherfolk in Gubat, Sorsogon, used photography and poetry to spotlight coastal livelihoods and concerns over proposed road projects. Indigenous Education: Higaonon teacher Jonathan Landong has spent 20 years serving a remote community in Misamis Oriental, helping local children access education.

Folklore on the World Stage: Miss Grand Philippines Angelica Lopez brought a 19-kilogram mangkukulam costume to Bangkok, turning a familiar figure from Filipino folklore into a tribute to stories passed down through generations. Ube’s Purple Reign: Global demand is booming, but small farmers face declining yields; the Philippines is restricting raw ube exports amid concern overseas growers could capture the market. Community Arts: National Artist Nunelucio “Maestro Nune” Alvarado brings art into daily life in Sagay, Negros Occidental, with colorful painting projects and community workshops. Sinulog 2027: Registration is open, but organizers are weighing tighter rules and cuts to smaller events as fuel and operating costs climb; prizes and subsidies will stay at last year’s levels. Coastal Creativity: Gubat, Sorsogon, artists and fisherfolk used a photowalk and poetry reading to celebrate local heritage and livelihoods while drawing attention to proposed coastal roads. Filipino Stories on Screen: DreamWorks’ upcoming Forgotten Island is attracting attention for bringing Filipino mythology and family stories to a global audience.

Child Safety Online: The House passed on second reading the Safe and Friendly Environment for Kids in Digital Spaces Act, banning social media accounts for children 13 and below and tightening access for under-18s, as lawmakers cite online harms linked to recent school violence. Student Rights Under Pressure: Makabayan lawmakers filed a House inquiry after UST suspended four student activists over a protest involving Philippine Air Force personnel, with Karapatan also calling it repression of free expression and peaceful assembly. Women in Politics: The PCW urged a rapid referral pathway to curb violence against women in politics, as threats and harassment continue to dog women leaders. Impeachment Trial Scrutiny: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings, prosecutors continued presenting Land Bank records tied to her husband’s accounts, while a women-in-media group criticized “veiled threats” against journalists covering the trial. Culture & Arts Spotlight: Teatro Panalo launched with 373 original one-act submissions, and DepEd expanded the Kaagapay Program to train parents as co-educators to prevent bullying and strengthen values. Community & Belonging: Manila’s rainwater impounding facilities deal was signed between MMDA and Mayor Isko Moreno, while a peace pole dedication highlighted multilingual messages of peace. Security & Scams: Authorities reported arrests tied to the True Brown Style during Mendiola protests and moved 51 trafficking victims from Zamboanga Sibugay toward Manila after POGO raids; meanwhile, an IT educator launched “Scam Ba To” to help Filipinos check suspicious messages.

Environmental Rights: Sen. Loren Legarda urged stronger protection for land and environmental defenders after Global Witness reported 12 killings in the Philippines in 2025, the highest in Asia outside Latin America, warning that farmers and Indigenous communities face deadly land and resource conflicts. Digital Safety for Kids: The House passed the Safe and Friendly Environment for Kids in Digital Spaces Act, banning social media accounts for children 13 and below and tightening access for those under 18. Women in Politics: The Philippine Commission on Women pushed for a rapid referral pathway to address violence against women in politics as lawmakers hear bills defining and penalizing VAWP. Campus Freedom Under Fire: Karapatan criticized UST for suspending four student activists over a protest involving a Philippine Air Force exhibit, calling it repression of free expression and assembly. Culture & Film: DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island,” rooted in Filipino culture, is banking on an original Filipino story as it opens in theaters. Community & Faith: Manila’s La Naval de Manila procession traffic advisory highlights how major religious events shape daily life. Education Support: DepEd expanded its Kaagapay Program to help parents and caregivers act as co-educators and prevent bullying.