To accelerate the 3-Million-Home Program, the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs' BSKDN promotes central-regional synergy and easier access for low-income households.

Jakarta, Indonesia August 20, 2026 – The Agency for Domestic Policy Strategy (BSKDN) of the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs held an Actual Discussion Forum titled "Implementation Strategy of the 3 Million Houses Program in Regions" on Thursday (20/8/2026) at Hotel Horison Ultima Menteng, Jakarta. The forum, conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online via Zoom Meeting and YouTube Live), formulated breakthrough steps to accelerate the provision of decent and affordable housing for Low-Income Communities (MBR) across Indonesia.

Head of the Center for Policy Strategy on Regional, Population, and Public Services at BSKDN, Dr. T.R. Fahsul Falah, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that housing provision is a national agenda requiring close synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders at both central and regional levels.

"Housing provision is a shared responsibility requiring synergy among the central government, local governments, the community, the business sector, developers, banking institutions, and the media dissemination ecosystem. With strong collaboration, various regional housing issues can be handled much more effectively," emphasized Fahsul Falah.

In this forum, BSKDN formulated 5 (five) strategic key takeaways serving as crucial notes for local governments in executing the 3 Million Houses Program:

1. Cross-Sector Synergy and Collaboration: Addressing housing challenges in the regions cannot be done in isolation; it requires an integrated role among central and regional governments, banks, developers, and the private sector.

2. Strengthening Inclusive Financing: Housing programs focus not only on physical construction, but also on ownership accessibility and sustainability. Easier financing, renovation assistance, and credit schemes tailored to informal-sector and variable-income workers are essential.

3. Strategic Role of Local Government Regulations: Local governments play a key role in facilitating access for low-income communities (MBR), including through the acceleration of Building Approvals (PBG), adjustments to Duties on the Acquisition of Land and Building Rights (BPHTB), and the harmonization of local regulations.

4. Strengthening Data & Integrated Information Dissemination: Data accuracy regarding housing needs from regional levels to the central government must be improved. Furthermore, utilizing information systems and digital publication platforms is necessary to ensure policies and incentives from the central government are thoroughly communicated to the public without information asymmetry.

5. Commitment to Concrete Actions in Regions: All discussion points are expected to be acted upon promptly through the drafting of regulations, program allocations, and field execution in each region.

The Actual Discussion Forum featured various keynote speakers and leaders from ministries/agencies, academia, and policy practitioners, including:

- Brig. Gen. Pol. (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Hoidruddin Hasibuan, S.H., M.Hum. (Rector of Universitas Harapan Medan) 

- Raden An’An Andri Hikmat SR, Ap, MM (Director of Rural Housing Financing, Ministry of PKP)

- Alen Ermanita, S.Sos., M.Sc (Director of Control and Evaluation of Strategic Policies I, Bappenas)

- Sastrodirjo (Central and Regional Financial Analyst, DJPK Ministry of Finance)

- Luthfi Firdaus, S.T., M.Si. (Head of the Department of Housing, Settlement, and Land Services of Bandung City)

- Ferry Bayu Nirwono (CEO of VRITIMES)

- Gatot Tri Laksono (Indonesian Public Policy Society)

The involvement of VRITIMES in this forum provided insights into the importance of digital information dissemination technology infrastructure, ensuring that national housing policies and local government incentives are transparently socialized and reach the public down to the grassroots level.

Enthusiastically attended by over 200 in-person and online participants from BAPPERIDA, BRIDA, and Local Housing Departments across Indonesia, this event is expected to serve as a primary benchmark for local governments to accelerate the realization of decent, affordable, and sustainable settlements.

Occupational Health Experts to Convene for 27th PCOM Mid-Year Convention in October

 

Occupational medicine specialists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country are expected to gather in Muntinlupa this October for the 27th Mid-Year Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), a three-day event focused on advancing workplace health and safety in the Philippines.

Occupational medicine specialists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country are expected to gather in Muntinlupa this October for the 27th Mid-Year Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), a three-day event focused on advancing workplace health and safety in the Philippines.

Hosted by the PCOM Parañaque–Las Piñas–Muntinlupa (PaLM) Chapter, the convention will be held from October 8 to 10, 2026 at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. This year's gathering carries the theme, "Protecting All Labor Force through Multifaceted Occupational Safety and Health," highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approaches to safeguarding workers amid evolving workplace environments and emerging occupational health challenges.

The convention will bring together occupational physicians, medical practitioners, public health professionals, safety officers, corporate leaders, government representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss current issues affecting worker health and well-being.

Scientific sessions, expert lectures, and technical discussions are expected to cover emerging workplace health concerns, updates in occupational medicine practice, and developments in occupational safety and health policies. Organizers said the event will also provide opportunities for professional networking and knowledge exchange among practitioners and allied professionals nationwide.

Occupational safety and health continue to be a critical concern as organizations navigate changing work environments, technological innovation, and evolving regulatory requirements. The convention aims to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, employers, and policymakers to strengthen workplace health programs and promote safer, healthier working conditions for Filipino workers.

This contextual statement is an inference based on the event's stated theme and objectives; the announcement itself emphasizes collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches to occupational safety and health.

Registration for the convention is now open. Interested participants may register through the event's official registration platform and contact the PCOM PaLM Secretariat by sending an email to pcompalm.cme@gmail.com  for additional information.

The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of occupational medicine in the Philippines through continuing medical education, research, professional collaboration, and advocacy for healthier and safer workplaces.

About Creative Point

Creative Point International Inc. is the partner of this organization for their communications and creative initiatives. It implement strategic communications, public relations, branding, digital storytelling, and integrated campaigns, and also provides end-to-end event management and production, handling corporate, industry, community, and advocacy events from concept development and planning to execution and communications.

 

Zeinab Harake Parks, Magbabalik-Davao sa Kadayawan 2026 Kasama ang Casino Plus

Magbabalik-Davao City ang sikat na vlogger at digital content creator na si Zeinab Harake Parks para sa Kadayawan Festival 2026 kasama ang Casino Plus, isa sa mga nangungunang responsible digital entertainment and gaming platforms sa bansa na lisensyado ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Alinsunod sa layunin na maghatid ng saya sa publiko, dala ng Casino Plus ang isang festival showcase sa Davao na siksik at umaapaw sa live performances, masasayang activities, games, at prizes sa Davao Whisky Park mula August 14 hanggang 16. 

Tampok sa three-day event ang isang appearance mula sa “Reyna ng Good Vibes” sa Biyernes, August 14, kung saan magkakaroon din ang ilang suwerteng “Zebbies” na ma-meet ang sikat na online personality. 

Sa isang social media post, sinabi ni Zeinab na excited na siya sa ikalawang beses na pagbisita niya sa Davao City at hinimok ang kanyang followers na sumama sa Kadayawan celebration.

“Kadayawan na! Marami kaming hinandang prizes at gagawin nating sobrang saya ito. Bonggang-bonggang kakulitan ang dadalhin ko. Excited ako makita at makasama kayo especially this is my second time in Davao kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Arat na sa Kadayawan!” sabi ni Zeinab. 

Dadalhin din ni Zeinab hindi lang ang kanyang candid personality at humor, kundi pati na rin ang kanyang signature energy at kakulitan sa Kadayawan celebration. 

Kasama din sa jam packed lineup sa Davao Whisky Park ang ilan sa mga kilalang content creators at performers sa bansa, tulad nina "Daddy Blue" at Maritoni Fowler, Baby Giant, Joanna Lara, Lhevin Andal, at Miro Macs.

Ginaganap tuwing Agosto, ang Kadayawan ay isang pagdiriwang ng pasasalamat, kasaganaan, at mayamang pamana ng lungsod na nagbubuklod sa komunidad sa pamamagitan ng mga tradisyon, pagtatanghal, makukulay na eksibit, at iba pang kasiyahan. 

Sa pamamagitan ng pagdiriwang na ito, patuloy na naghahatid ang Casino Plus ng ligtas at masayang digital entertainment habang nakikiisa sa mga pinakamalaking kaganapan at kultura ng mga Pilipino sa iba't ibang dako ng bansa. Sa pagtatagpo ng saya, aliw, at pamayanang Davaoeño, inaasahang magiging mas makulay at hindi malilimutan ang karanasan sa Kadayawan Festival 2026.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means. 

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Carziqo Launches ER-MX Autonomous Ride-Hailing Operations in Atlanta

 

Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has announced the launch of its ER-MX autonomous ride-hailing vehicles in Atlanta, marking the latest expansion of the company’s intelligent transportation operations in the United States.

According to Carziqo, the Atlanta rollout will introduce a limited number of ER-MX vehicles within designated service areas before expanding gradually based on operational performance, passenger demand and regulatory requirements. The phased approach is intended to allow the company to evaluate how its autonomous driving system responds to Atlanta’s traffic patterns, road infrastructure and changing weather conditions.

The ER-MX is designed for urban passenger transportation and incorporates automated navigation, real-time route planning, obstacle detection and continuous vehicle-status monitoring. Carziqo said its fleet management platform can analyze traffic conditions and trip demand to support vehicle dispatching, route adjustments and preventive maintenance.

“Atlanta is an important market for the next stage of our autonomous mobility development,” Carziqo Chief Executive Officer Zaydenn Harrington said in a company statement. “The city combines a rapidly growing population, a strong technology sector and increasing demand for more efficient transportation options. Our priority is to introduce the ER-MX through a responsible, closely monitored and safety-focused deployment.”

A phased approach to autonomous mobility

During the initial phase, vehicles will operate within predefined geographic zones and under operational restrictions established by the company’s safety and compliance teams. Carziqo said the fleet will be monitored through a centralized operations system capable of identifying unusual driving conditions, technical alerts and maintenance requirements.

The company added that operational data from the Atlanta deployment will be used to refine vehicle behavior, improve route efficiency and strengthen the performance of its autonomous driving technology in complex urban environments.

Atlanta presents a particularly demanding environment for autonomous vehicles. Its transportation network includes high-volume arterial roads, interstate corridors, busy commercial districts and suburban communities with varying road designs. Successfully operating in such conditions requires autonomous systems to interpret lane markings, traffic signals, pedestrians, cyclists, construction zones and the unpredictable behavior of other road users.

Carziqo said the ER-MX uses a combination of onboard sensors, mapping technology and artificial intelligence to build a real-time understanding of its surroundings. The system is designed to assess road conditions continuously and make driving decisions within its approved operating parameters.

Safety, oversight and regulatory compliance

Safety remains one of the central concerns surrounding the commercial introduction of autonomous vehicles. Carziqo said its Atlanta operations will be subject to ongoing technical inspections, remote fleet supervision and incident-response procedures.

The company also stated that it intends to coordinate with relevant transportation and regulatory authorities as the deployment progresses. Service availability and operating areas may be adjusted depending on applicable laws, safety evaluations, infrastructure conditions and local requirements.

Independent verification of autonomous-driving capabilities, operating permits, insurance coverage and safety performance will remain important as the service develops. The company has not yet publicly released detailed fleet numbers, passenger volumes or disengagement data for the Atlanta operation.

Atlanta’s growing mobility technology sector

Atlanta has increasingly positioned itself as a center for transportation innovation, logistics technology and connected infrastructure. Population growth and continued development across the metropolitan area have also created demand for transportation services that can complement existing public transit and conventional ride-hailing platforms.

Autonomous ride-hailing companies argue that intelligent fleets could eventually improve vehicle utilization, expand transportation availability and reduce some operating inefficiencies. However, industry observers note that commercial success will depend on proven safety performance, regulatory acceptance, passenger confidence and the ability of autonomous systems to operate reliably under real-world conditions.

Carziqo said the Atlanta launch forms part of its broader strategy to develop an interconnected mobility ecosystem combining autonomous passenger transportation, intelligent fleet management and driverless delivery services.

Rather than immediately offering unrestricted coverage across the metropolitan area, the company plans to expand the ER-MX service progressively. Additional operating zones may be introduced after the completion of technical assessments and reviews of early operational data.

For Carziqo, Atlanta will serve as both a commercial market and a real-world testing environment for the continued development of its autonomous mobility platform. The company said further information regarding service areas, passenger access and fleet expansion will be announced as the rollout advances.

Carziqo Introduces ER-BX “EarnRide+Boost” Model for Intelligent Urban Mobility

MANILA, Philippines — Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has introduced the ER-BX, a new vehicle model developed under its “EarnRide+Boost” concept, as the company expands its technology-driven approach to urban transportation and intelligent fleet operations.

The ER-BX is designed to support high-frequency mobility services in densely populated cities, combining autonomous driving technologies, real-time fleet monitoring, and AI-assisted dispatching within a single operational platform.

According to Carziqo, “EarnRide” refers to the vehicle’s role as an operating asset within the company’s mobility network, while “Boost” represents the digital systems intended to improve vehicle utilization, dispatch efficiency, and service availability.

“Urban mobility is no longer defined solely by the vehicle. It is increasingly shaped by how vehicles, passengers, infrastructure, and operational data work together,” Carziqo chief executive officer Zaydenn Harrington said in a company statement.

“The ER-BX reflects our effort to build a more connected mobility system—one that can respond intelligently to changing passenger demand while supporting more efficient fleet operations,” he added.

Designed for urban operating conditions

The ER-BX was developed for short- and medium-distance trips in active urban environments, where traffic conditions and passenger demand may change throughout the day.

Carziqo said the vehicle is intended to work with its intelligent dispatching platform, which evaluates factors such as passenger location, estimated travel time, road conditions, vehicle availability, battery status, and nearby service demand.

Instead of relying on fixed assignments, the system can recommend or automatically coordinate the most suitable available vehicle for each service request. The company said this approach could reduce unnecessary travel between bookings and improve the distribution of vehicles across operating areas.

The platform is also designed to identify periods of higher demand and reposition available units accordingly. For example, additional vehicles may be assigned near commercial districts during peak hours or directed toward residential areas when commuter demand shifts later in the day.

Real-time fleet monitoring

The ER-BX is connected to Carziqo’s fleet-management infrastructure, allowing authorized operations teams to monitor vehicle location, operating status, route progress, energy levels, and maintenance requirements.

Data collected from participating vehicles may help the platform detect operational irregularities, schedule inspections, and coordinate charging, cleaning, and servicing without unnecessarily removing multiple units from service at the same time.

Carziqo said predictive maintenance will form an important part of the ER-BX operating model. Rather than relying exclusively on fixed maintenance intervals, the system is being designed to assess vehicle usage and component data to identify potential servicing requirements earlier.

The company noted, however, that automated monitoring does not eliminate the need for human supervision. Fleet personnel, technical teams, and local operating partners will remain responsible for safety oversight, maintenance, emergency response, and compliance with applicable transportation regulations.

Mobility network participation

The “EarnRide+Boost” concept also forms part of Carziqo’s broader asset-participation framework, through which eligible users may participate in the commercial operation of designated mobility assets.

Under the framework described by the company, eligible participants do not acquire shares, funds, or other conventional financial securities. Instead, participation is linked to contractual rights involving specific vehicle-operation units and the revenue generated by eligible mobility services.

Actual operational results may differ depending on passenger demand, vehicle utilization, maintenance requirements, energy costs, insurance expenses, local market conditions, and service interruptions. Carziqo said prospective participants should review the applicable agreement, risk disclosures, and local eligibility requirements before joining any program associated with the ER-BX.

The company also stressed that projected operating figures should not be interpreted as guaranteed income, a bank deposit, or a fixed-return financial product.

A wider intelligent-mobility strategy

The ER-BX joins Carziqo’s developing portfolio of autonomous ride-hailing and delivery vehicles. The company’s broader ecosystem includes AI-assisted order allocation, connected vehicle management, real-time operational dashboards, autonomous delivery services, and intelligent maintenance scheduling.

Carziqo said the long-term objective is to establish a scalable platform that can support different vehicle types and operating environments while allowing local partners to adapt services to city-specific requirements.

Industry observers have increasingly identified connected fleet management and data-assisted dispatching as important components of future urban transportation. However, large-scale autonomous mobility deployment continues to depend on safety validation, infrastructure readiness, public acceptance, and approval from national and local authorities.

Carziqo said any deployment of the ER-BX will be carried out according to the regulations, technical standards, and permitting requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.

“As cities grow, the challenge is not simply to place more vehicles on the road,” Harrington said. “The real challenge is to use technology to move people more efficiently, improve vehicle utilization, and build mobility services that can adapt responsibly to each city.”

The company said additional information regarding ER-BX operating locations, service availability, and deployment schedules will be announced as local preparations and regulatory coordination progress.

MOLD Manila Introduces Radiesse®, a Collagen-Stimulating Injectable for Facial Rejuvenation

 

 Quezon City, Philippines — MOLD Manila has added Radiesse® to its portfolio of minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, expanding its non-surgical options for patients seeking facial contouring and skin rejuvenation.

Unlike traditional dermal fillers that primarily restore lost volume, Radiesse® is formulated to provide immediate structural support while stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. As collagen develops over time, patients may experience continued improvements in skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality.

The clinic now offers two Radiesse® formulations tailored to different treatment goals.

Radiesse® Structural (1.5 cc) is intended for patients seeking enhanced facial definition and support. Common treatment areas include the cheeks, mid-face, jawline, and chin.

Radiesse® Hyperdilute (4.5 cc) is designed for broader skin rejuvenation by treating larger surface areas affected by skin laxity and loss of firmness. It may be used on the cheeks, under-eye area, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, neck, décolletage, and hands.

“Patients today are increasingly looking for treatments that deliver natural-looking improvements while supporting long-term skin health,” said a spokesperson for MOLD Manila. “Radiesse® provides immediate structural enhancement while stimulating collagen production, allowing results to continue improving after treatment.”

The procedure is performed in the clinic without the need for general anesthesia and typically involves minimal downtime. Depending on the treatment area and individual patient factors, results may last approximately 12 to 18 months.

Patients undergo a medical consultation before treatment to assess facial anatomy, discuss aesthetic goals, and determine whether Radiesse® is the most appropriate option for their concerns.

About MOLD Manila
MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic based in Quezon City, Philippines. Known for its technology-driven, non-surgical treatments and personalized care, the clinic specializes in skin rejuvenation, non-invasive contouring, laser treatments, and IV wellness therapies. MOLD Manila is committed to education-first, results-driven aesthetics designed for real Filipino skin.

Philippine Student Visa Approvals to New Zealand Surge 31 Percent, Outpacing Most of Southeast Asia

 

Right Education NZ says family friendly visa settings and lower costs than other English speaking study destinations are fuelling the rise

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, 10 August 2026. Philippine student visa approvals to New Zealand rose 31.5 percent in the past financial year, official immigration data shows, outpacing nearly every other major Southeast Asian market.

Immigration New Zealand approved 6,214 Philippine student visa applications in the 2025/26 financial year, up from 4,726 the year before. The figures come directly from Immigration New Zealand's own published statistics. 

Only two other Southeast Asian markets grew faster in percentage terms, Laos at 34.3 percent and Malaysia at 32.5 percent, but neither comes close in raw numbers. The Philippines sent more than double the students of Vietnam, the next largest Southeast Asian source country, and nearly five times as many as Indonesia. Among the region's biggest markets, the Philippines is now growing fastest at scale.

Right Education NZ (RENZ), an Auckland based education and immigration consultancy that guides Filipino students and their families through the full journey of studying, working, and settling in New Zealand, points to two forces behind the surge: the ability for families to migrate together, and New Zealand's affordability compared with other English speaking study destinations.

“The numbers confirm what we're seeing every week,” said Jay Aranas, Managing Director of Right Education NZ. “Filipino families aren't just asking whether they can study in New Zealand. They're asking whether the whole family can move together, without anyone being left behind. New Zealand's visa settings, including pathways like the Partner of a Student work visa, allow a spouse to work while the primary applicant studies, and dependent children to come too. For a lot of families, that changes the whole decision.”

That decision is easier to make given New Zealand's global standing on safety. The country ranked second on the 2026 Global Peace Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, behind only Iceland, a factor Jay says weighs heavily on parents choosing where to send their children.

Cost is the other factor RENZ points to. Recent comparative analyses show New Zealand tuition and living costs sitting below the United States and United Kingdom, and broadly in line with or slightly under Australia and Canada, while still offering a globally ranked, English speaking education system and a clear pathway from study to work to residence.

“For a lot of the families we work with, this isn't about finding the cheapest option. It's about finding the option that makes sense for the whole family, without the financial strain of somewhere like the US or UK,” Jay said. “When you put those two things together, a pathway that keeps the family together and a cost that doesn't demand an extraordinary sacrifice, it's not surprising the Philippines is now leading the region.”

Right Education NZ (RENZ) expects the trend to continue as more Filipino families become aware of New Zealand's family friendly visa settings, and is encouraging prospective students to begin planning early ahead of upcoming intake periods.

About Right Education NZ

Founded in 2014, Right Education NZ is an Auckland-based education and immigration consultancy supporting Filipino students and their families through every stage of studying, working, and settling in New Zealand, from course and visa applications through to family inclusive visa pathways. Right Education NZ works closely with New Zealand institutions and immigration advisers to help families navigate the process with clarity and confidence.