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Where to Eat Now: 11 New Food Spots Changing Cebu’s Dining Game

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Where to Eat Now: 11 New Food Spots Changing Cebu’s Dining Game

Cebu’s dining scene is having a major glow-up. From Taiwanese dim sum to Japanese soufflé pancakes, from Italian pastas to local-favorite cafés going mall-big — the city’s food map is rapidly expanding. Whether you’re a foodie, a barkada ready for a food crawl, or just craving something new, here are 13 recently opened or newly expanded spots in Cebu that deserve a seat at your table!

Lugang Café at SM Seaside City Cebu



Photo grab from Google Maps

Lugang Café launched its first branch in the Visayas on April 2, 2025 — bringing authentic Taiwanese flavors to Cebu’s south side. Expect their signature xiao long bao, three-cup chicken, and cozy interiors ideal for group dinners or chill nights out. 

This move marks a big step that Cebu foodies no longer need to fly to Manila for Lugang’s dim sum — not, it’s right here in the Visayas.


CIBO Italian Restaurant at SM City Cebu (and other branches)

Photo grab from Google Maps

CIBO keeps growing in Cebu. In late 2025, it opened a new branch at SM City Cebu; its fourth store in the city.

Known for “real modern Italian” fare, CIBO offers a welcome mix of cozy ambiance and hearty pasta, pizza, and steak dishes — a good fit for everything from barkada dinners to family meals.


Hoshino Coffee at SM JMall Cebu

Photo grab from Google Maps

Japanese café culture touches down in Cebu! Hoshino Coffee, which is known for its hand-drip brews and soft soufflé pancakes, recently opened its first Cebu branch at SM JMall as part of a broader 2025 rollout.

Perfect for brunch dates or calm coffee afternoons — especially for those who love a mellow but classy café vibe.


Yakiniku Like at SM JMall Cebu

Photo grab from Google Maps

For solo diners or friends craving quick Japanese-style grilling, Yakiniku Like brings that solo-grill experience to Cebu. Light interiors, fast service, and quality meat — it’s ideal for those who just want “good food now” moments. 

A great pick for lunch breaks or late dinners when you want something hearty but hassle-free. 


Twist & Buckle at SM JMall Cebu


Photo grab from Google Maps

This isn’t just any dessert or snack bar. Twist & Buckle is Michelin-recognized from 2023 to 2025, and has landed in Cebu as part of SM’s large 2025 culinary rollout. 

If you’re craving for churros, gourmet snacks, and Instagram-perfect comfort food, this is the one to keep an eye on. A fun treat for barkada hangs or after-movie desserts.


Ooma at SM City Cebu



Photo grab from Google Maps

A part of the 2025 expansion by major restaurant groups, Ooma is one of the soon-to-open spots expected to add fresh Japanese/Asian-fusion flavor to Cebu’s food map. 

It’s a brand worth watching, and it could become a new go-to for modern, fun dining experiences. 


Manam at SM City Cebu

Photo grab from Google Maps

Another buzz-worthy entry in the 2025 dining expansion. Manam is known for its reimagined Filipino comfort food; a nostalgic yet modern take on everyday favorites.

Good bet for readers who love Filipino flavors but want a contemporary dining experience.


Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is expected at SM City Cebu soon



Photo grab from Google Maps

For premium dining lovers, the famous Wolfgang’s Steakhouse that is known for their dry-aged beef and fine steakhouse vibes is among the anticipated new additions in Cebu’s 2025 restaurant wave. 

This could be a new hotspot for birthdays, celebrations, and nights when you want something “extra”. 


Nagi Izakaya at SM City Cebu

Photo grab from Google Maps

A modern take on Japanese pub-style dining, Nagi Izakaya rounds out the 2025 list of firsts for Cebu; offering fun and possibly more laid-back spots for group dinners, drinks, and comfort food.

Good for friends looking for a chill night out with good food and drinks.


Tavolata at SM Malls 



Photo grab from Google Maps

A homegrown Italian restaurant making its debut in SM Cebu this 2025 that’s a nice bridge between familiar homestyle comfort and dining convenience. 

A solid option for readers who love pizza, pasta, or cozy Italian-style dinners without leaving Cebu


Starbucks at SM City Cebu



Photo grab from Google Maps

Not just another café, this Starbucks store introduces a “first-in-the-Philippines” concept design, blending modern Filipino aesthetic with the global coffeehouse vibe. A unique twist for Cebu’s café-culture lovers. This is perfect for coffee lovers, study sessions, or quick meetups.


(Bonus) Hawker Chan / Tim Ho Wan as a part of the broader 2025 dining expansion wave

Photo grab from Google Maps

Though not brand-new, both Michelin-starred hawker stall Hawker Chan and famous dim sum spot Tim Ho Wan are part of the recent wave of global, Michelin-recognized names expanding or already operating in Cebu malls, contributing to the “food renaissance” vibe in the city. 

They remain evergreen favorites, and their presence solidifies Cebu’s status as a growing foodie hub in Visayas.

But what is really happening in Cebu’s Dining Scene?

Mall-driven expansions lead the wave

Most of these new cafés and restos are located inside large mall complexes like SM Seaside, SM City Cebu, and SM JMall. This shows that mall culture like convenience, parking, air-conditioning, and easy access remain a big driver of Cebu’s food evolution. 


A strong mix of local + global flavors

Cebu’s food map is not just local comfort or old favorites; it’s now a cosmopolitan mix: Taiwanese dim sum, Japanese grills, Italian pasta, churros, and modern Filipino comfort food. For a city that has always had great local food, this adds more variety and flavor. 


Something for everyone

Whether you’re a solo diner, family, barkada, couple on a date, there’s a spot for everyone. From quick solo meals (Yakinuki Like), brunch spots (Hoshino, ABACA), premium dining (CIBO), to desert hangouts (Twist & Buckle), the options are wider than ever. 


Opportunity for content creators and influencers

This wave is gold. Photo-friendly interiors, trending global flavors, and new speed mean high engagement potential (food reviews, guides, “first-visit” features, and food crawl content). 



SM SECURED REGIONAL WIN FOR SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

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SM SECURED REGIONAL WIN FOR SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
Photo from SM Investments

PASAY CITY, Philippines, December 1, 2025 — SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, has been awarded the Silver Rank by the Asia Sustainability Reporting Rating (ASRRAT) for its 2024 Sustainability Report. This achievement marks the company’s fourth regional recognition for excellence in sustainability disclosure.

Regional Recognition for Sustainability Disclosure

ASRRAT is a regional ratings system established by the National Center for Sustainability Reporting (NCSR), the first independent organization in Indonesia dedicated to promoting and developing sustainability reporting across Asia. The recognition highlights SM Investments’ commitment to transparent, comprehensive, and credible reporting.

Commitment to Climate Resilience and Transparency

“Guided by our responsibility to the communities we serve, we continue to embed sustainability into every part of our business. This recognition encourages us to keep strengthening our climate resilience, transparency, and long-term value creation for all our stakeholders,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

Early Adopter of Global Reporting Standards

SM Investments has long upheld rigorous global standards in sustainability reporting. It is among the first Philippine companies to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, reinforcing its dedication to trustworthy and investor-oriented disclosures.

ASRRAT’s Expanding Regional Impact

In 2023, NCSR broadened ASRRAT’s reach, recognizing 68 Indonesian companies and seven organizations from the Philippines, Bangladesh, Russia, and Australia for their exemplary sustainability reporting practices. The regional expansion underscores the growing importance of sustainability reporting across Asia and beyond.

About SM Investments Corporation

Photo from SM Investments

SM Investments Corporation is one of the Philippines’ leading conglomerates with a portfolio spanning retail, banking, and property development, along with investments in emerging high-growth sectors.

Its retail network is the country’s largest and most diverse, covering grocery stores, department stores, and specialty retailers. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines’ largest integrated property developer, operating malls, residences, offices, hotels, convention centers, and tourism-related developments.

In banking, SM has strategic interests in BDO Unibank, Inc., the nation’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the top private domestic banks.

For more information, visit sminvestments.com

Media inquiries: [email protected]

Philippines’ Dinorado Achieves Global Recognition

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Philippines’ Dinorado Achieves Global Recognition
Photo from Pexels

Dinorado rice has placed the Philippines firmly on the global culinary map after being named second best rice in the world at the World’s Best Rice Awards 2025 held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Department of Agriculture announced the win, celebrating the variety’s signature tenderness, aroma, and flavor.

A Strong Finish Against Global Favorites

This year’s competition was tight, with Dinorado finishing just behind two gold winners, Vietnam’s ST25, a three-time champion, and Cambodia’s Phka Rumdoul, known for its floral fragrance. The recognition puts Dinorado in league with the world’s elite rice varieties.

A Product of Filipino Innovation

Photo from Pexels

Developed in 2009 by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dinorado, also known as Rc218, was designed to elevate everyday meals with its softness and fragrant quality. Its combination of high eating quality and strong yield potential has made it a favorite among both consumers and farmers.

More Than Quality: A Statement of Identity

For industry leaders, the victory carries deeper meaning. Rowena Sadicon, founder of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement, said the award is “not just about quality, it’s about identity,” emphasizing that the Philippines is capable of producing rice that stands proudly on the world stage.

A Triumph for Farmers and Scientists

Photo from Pexels

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. hailed the achievement as proof of what collaboration between Filipino farmers and scientists can accomplish. The award underscores the country’s ability to produce sustainable, world-class rice despite being one of the world’s largest importers.

A Win That Elevates the Nation

Photo from Pexels

Dinorado’s success is more than a medal, it’s a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship, perseverance, and agricultural excellence. Each grain is a reminder that the Philippines can grow not just rice, but global recognition and pride.

Morning Intimacy Improves Job Performance

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Morning Intimacy Improves Job Performance
Photo from Pexels

Morning intimacy is emerging as an unexpected workplace booster, with new research suggesting that early-hour affection may set the tone for a more driven and energized day. 

A survey of full-time American workers shows that those who start their mornings with physical intimacy tend to feel more centered, uplifted, and ready to take on demanding schedules.

Productivity Over Coffee

Photo from Pexels

Respondents reported higher levels of motivation, sharper focus, and a stronger sense of productivity after morning intimacy. 

Many noted that they completed more tasks and approached daily responsibilities with a heightened sense of clarity, creating a smoother workflow before lunchtime.

Career Momentum

Photo from Pexels

The study highlights a connection between morning intimacy and professional gains. A notable portion of participants experienced promotions or raises within the past year, suggesting that improved mood and mental readiness may influence long-term career growth. 

Executives and business owners showed the strongest link between early intimacy and workplace success.

Generations And Habits

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Gen X and boomer employees lead in morning intimacy frequency, with millennials close behind. Gen Z participates as well, though more sporadically, often citing late arrivals after extended slow starts to their day. 

Industries like marketing, hospitality, and entertainment show the highest engagement, aligning with roles that require energy and confidence.

Mental Well-being Benefits

Photo from Pexels

Participants also described improved emotional stability and reduced stress levels when beginning the day with intimacy. The release of endorphins appears to create a calm, steady foundation that helps workers approach challenges with balanced mood and stronger self-assurance.

As workplaces continue to explore new strategies for enhancing performance and preventing burnout, morning intimacy stands out as a surprisingly simple habit with measurable benefits. For many, it offers a revitalizing start that blends personal connection with professional advantage, creating a more positive rhythm for the day ahead.

North Korea Bans Suicide

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North Korea Bans Suicide
Photo from Wikipedia

North Korea is reportedly experiencing a dramatic increase in suicides, with intelligence estimates suggesting a 40 percent rise from the previous year.  

A Drastic Response

Photo from Wikipedia

In reaction to this surge, Kim Jong Un has issued a secret order through local party committees, declaring that suicide is forbidden and must be prevented.  

Politicizing Despair

The regime has characterized suicide as an “act of treason against socialism,” framing self-harm not merely as a personal tragedy but as a political crime.  

Accountability at All Levels

Photo from Wikipedia

Local government officials are being held responsible for preventing suicide in their jurisdictions. The order reportedly threatens them with consequences if they fail to curb the trend.  

Desperation in the Provinces

At emergency meetings across the country, officials reportedly received grim data: dozens of suicides, including entire families, were documented in regions such as Chongjin and Kyongsong.  

Voices of Rebellion

Photo from Wikipedia

Some suicide notes shared in these gatherings directly criticized the state and its social system, a risk the regime clearly fears, interpreting them as political dissent.  

Starvation at the Core

Sources suggest that the root cause of much of this despair is severe poverty and widespread hunger.  

Punishing the Families

Photo from Wikipedia

Beyond targeting individuals, the government appears to be using “crime-by-association” logic. Relatives of those who attempt or commit suicide may face political and social repercussions.  

A Hidden Crisis

Analysts argue that by stamping suicide as a political betrayal, the regime is also criminalizing a humanitarian crisis, masking the desperate conditions driving North Koreans toward self-destruction.  

The Stakes for Officials

Photo from Wikipedia

For local leaders, preventing suicide has become not just a moral duty but a political imperative. Their careers, and perhaps more, may depend on reducing the death toll.  

A Grim Warning

Across the country, the message is clear: suicide is no longer a private act of pain, but a perceived betrayal of the regime. Those who fail may pay with their lives, and so may their families. 

China Launches Record-Breaking 10G Internet

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China Launches Record-Breaking 10G Internet
Photo from Pexels

China has launched the world’s first 10G broadband network in Sunan County, Hebei Province. Built by Huawei and China Unicom, it sets a new global standard for fast and reliable internet.

How the Technology Works

Photo from Pexels

The network uses 50G PON, an upgraded fiber-optic system that delivers much higher speeds than regular home internet. This technology allows more data to move quickly and smoothly through the network.

Fast, Smooth, and Powerful

Photo from Pexels

Tests show impressive results: download speeds of 9,834 Mbps, upload speeds of 1,008 Mbps, and latency as low as 3 milliseconds. This means websites load instantly, videos stream without buffering, and online tasks feel more responsive.

Better Experiences at Home

Photo from Pexels

With these speeds, advanced digital tools work even better. Cloud apps run faster, VR and AR feel more realistic, 8K videos play effortlessly, and smart-home devices respond more reliably.

Faster Downloads Than Ever

Photo from Pexels

A 20 GB 4K movie that normally takes up to 10 minutes on a standard 1 Gbps connection can now be downloaded in less than 20 seconds. This changes how quickly people can access large files.

Leading the Global Race

The rollout puts China ahead of countries like the UAE and Qatar in high-speed broadband development. It also shows China’s growing focus on next-generation digital technology.

Helping Key Public Services

Photo from Pexels

The benefits go beyond entertainment. Healthcare can use clearer telemedicine tools, schools gain better online learning, and farms can improve smart agriculture with real-time data.

A Step Toward the Future

This first 10G network is the starting point for wider upgrades across the country. It demonstrates how next-level broadband can shape smarter homes, better services, and a more connected society.

The Patek Philippe “Zebra”: Can You Guess Its Price Tag?

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The Patek Philippe “Zebra”: Can You Guess Its Price Tag?
Photo from Patek Philippe Official Facebook Page

Patek Philippe unveils the Gondolo Serata “Zebra” Ref. 4962/200R-010, a jewelry watch that blends elegance with a daring artistic vision. The model stands out immediately with its sapphire-crystal dial, designed to look vivid, sculpted, and full of movement.

A Dial With Depth

Photo from The Hour Glass Facebook Page

The dial begins as a solid sapphire plate that is carved and worked on multiple layers. Black varnish, metallisation, and white varnish are added to the reverse side, creating a zebra motif with a three-dimensional effect. The translucent sapphire and dark stripes interact with light, giving the watch a sense of depth and quiet drama.

Classic Touches

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

Applied rose-gold Breguet numerals at 12 and 6 anchor the design, while leaf-shaped hands soften the look with a touch of classic refinement. The logo appears to float above the stripes, enhancing the illusion of depth that defines the entire dial.

Nature Reimagined

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

Instead of treating the zebra pattern as a simple print, the design explores contrast—light and shadow, calm and energy. The result is a watch that feels poetic, artistic, and rooted in the careful craftsmanship associated with Patek Philippe.

A Heritage Reawakened

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

First introduced in 2006, the Gondolo Serata collection has always been known for its sensual curves influenced by Art Deco. The Zebra edition revives this silhouette with a modern twist, combining vintage charm with a more vivid and expressive presence.

Innovation in Craft

Photo from Lucerne Facebook Page

Rather than using enamel, the maison chose a sapphire dial engraved and finished on both sides. Black varnish, black metallisation, and white varnish on the underside produce a contemporary take on the zebra theme, reminiscent of the innovative techniques seen in the brand’s Rare Handcrafts creations.

Gemsetting in Motion

The rose-gold case is framed by 94 brilliant-cut spessartites arranged in a double gradient. Cognac tones fade into bright tangerine hues, echoing a warm savannah sunset. The gemsetting highlights the curved, waisted case shape and adds a fluid sense of movement on the wrist.

A Quartz Heart

Inside is the Calibre E15 quartz movement, chosen for its precision and ease of use. Even with quartz technology, the movement receives the same polished and hand-finished treatment found across the manufacture’s mechanical calibres.

Modern Femininity

The Gondolo Serata “Zebra” blends structure with spontaneity, refinement with boldness. Its sapphire dial creates a sense of mystery and transparency, capturing a modern expression of femininity through form, color, and craft.

McLaren Disqualified in Las Vegas

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McLaren Disqualified in Las Vegas
Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

McLaren had a tough weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified because their cars failed post-race checks. The rear skid blocks on both cars were thinner than the 9mm limit, which is not allowed under F1 rules.

Championship Standings Shake-Up

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

The disqualifications changed the championship battle. Max Verstappen, the race winner, is now level on points with Oscar Piastri at 366. Lando Norris still leads with 390 points, but the title race is now much closer with only two rounds left.

Technical Issue Confirmed

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

The FIA stewards measured the cars and confirmed the rear skids did not meet the rules. The breach was considered unintentional. McLaren is not the first team to have this problem this season, other drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg faced similar disqualifications.

Race Recap

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

Norris started on pole and tried to pass Verstappen at the start but ran wide and fell back. Later, he was told to slow down due to fuel concerns. Piastri recovered after a first-lap incident and gained positions through good strategy but was also disqualified.

Title Fight Intensifies

Photo from McLaren Official Facebook Page

With two races and one Sprint left, 58 points are still up for grabs. The disqualifications have made the championship fight even tighter, setting up a dramatic finish to the 2025 season.

Siblings Shine as PNLE 2025 Topnotchers

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Siblings Shine as PNLE 2025 Topnotchers
Photo from Pexels

It’s not every day that two sisters land in the Top 10 of the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, but that’s exactly what Quisha Mariz G. Villacorta (TOP 5) and Shariz G. Villacorta (TOP 9) achieved, together, side by side, just as they’ve always been.

Their story doesn’t start with board reviewers or sleepless nights. It starts way back in Grade 1, when their mother decided to enroll them at the same time. What seemed like a simple decision became the beginning of a bond that would shape their entire academic lives. They were never classmates, but they grew up learning from each other. Quisha, the achiever, Valedictorian in Cebu City Science High School and a Magna Cum Laude graduate, naturally became the older sister Shariz looked up to. And Shariz, inspired by her Ate’s example, pushed herself until she walked the stage as a Cum Laude.

Photo from Quisha Mariz Gacasan Villacorta

Preparing for the boards brought them even closer. They seriously started their review around August, often studying in the same room, asking questions, quizzing each other, and laughing through the stress when it all got too heavy. Shariz admits she constantly bothered her sister with questions and doubts she didn’t dare to tell anyone else. But Quisha, ever patient, always listened, always explained, always reassured her.

There were nights when both of them were tired, anxious, or discouraged, but they never let each other fall behind. They learned to balance their strengths and weaknesses, to rest when needed, and to remind each other that they weren’t going through this alone.

Photo from Shariz Gacasan Villacorta

So when the results came out and they saw both their names among the Top 10, it wasn’t just pride they felt. It was a relief. Gratitude. Joy. And the quiet realization that they really did it together.

“We wanted to ace this together, and we did,” Shariz said. “I feel so blessed to have a study mate, a friend, and a sister all in one person.”

For future PNLE takers, their message is simple and honest: no one ever feels 100% ready. What matters is the process, using your time well, trusting the people who support you, and having someone to share the struggle with. “If we were able to do it,” Shariz said, “anyone can.”

Photo from Pexels

The Villacorta sisters’ achievement is more than just two numbers in a list. It’s a celebration of family, teamwork, and love, proof that when you lift each other, you rise higher than you ever could alone.

PH and Korea Formalize Legal Path for Seasonal Workers

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PH and Korea Formalize Legal Path for Seasonal Workers
Photo from Pexels

The Philippines and South Korea have formalized a legal pathway for Filipino seasonal farm workers through a newly signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC). This major policy shift aims to regulate deployment under the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) and ensure stronger protection for migrant laborers.

Government Collaboration Behind the Agreement

Photo from Pexels

The JMC was signed by multiple Philippine agencies, the DMW, DILG, DOJ, DA, BI, and LGU representatives, alongside the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The partnership sets clear standards for recruitment and deployment, replacing the old local government–to–local government system.

Visa Options and Earnings

Photo from Pexels

Under the SWP, Filipino workers may now apply for either a 3-month short-term employment visa or a 5-month seasonal visa, extendable by another 3 months. The program offers an average net monthly income of approximately ₱60,000, making it a highly sought-after overseas opportunity.

DMW Takes Full Control of Recruitment

Photo from Pexels

A central change in the JMC places full responsibility for screening, recruitment, and deployment on the DMW. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that applicants must apply directly to the department — not to LGUs — to protect workers from illegal recruiters promising high salaries.

Problems Under the Old System

Previously, the SWP relied on sister-city partnerships between Philippine and Korean LGUs. While it provided manpower for Korean agriculture and fisheries, it also resulted in 150 complaints from 3,353 deployed workers, including cases of physical abuse, medical emergencies, illegal deductions, and four deaths from natural causes.

Moratorium and Transition Phase

Due to these issues, the DMW imposed a moratorium on January 11, 2024, before introducing temporary guidelines. Under those interim rules, 11,778 workers were deployed without incident, paving the way for permanent regulations under the new circular.

Standardized Process for Applicants

Photo from Pexels

The JMC outlines a unified recruitment pathway. Applicants will undergo Korean language lessons, employment orientation, contract review, insurance enrollment, OWWA membership, and monitoring of workplace conditions, all overseen by the DMW to ensure transparency and safety.

Strict Ban on Brokers and Middlemen

Photo from Pexels

Private recruitment agencies and brokers are now explicitly banned. Four individuals are already facing criminal charges for illegal recruitment, with penalties reaching up to life imprisonment due to multiple victims involved.

Strengthening Protection and Bilateral Cooperation

Through the centralized system, the Philippines aims to eliminate vulnerabilities from the previous LGU-based approach. The JMC solidifies a more secure and equitable process, ensuring that Filipino seasonal workers in South Korea receive full protection, fair treatment, and dignified employment.

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