The world woke up to a new and alarming reality as tensions in the Middle East escalated into full-scale conflict. What began as fragile diplomacy has now erupted into what analysts are calling one of the most dangerous geopolitical crises in decades.

A Region on the Brink

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a massive coordinated military offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran. Strategic targets in Tehran were struck, marking a dramatic turning point after years of strained negotiations and rising hostility.

This development signals the collapse of diplomatic efforts that once aimed to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions—efforts that ultimately failed after multiple high-level talks earlier this year.

What Triggered the Conflict?

The roots of this war trace back to escalating tensions throughout 2025, driven by a “maximum pressure” strategy imposed on Iran. The situation worsened following the breakdown of negotiations in Muscat and Geneva, where demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment were firmly rejected.

At the same time, internal unrest in Iran intensified. Widespread protests met with violent crackdowns further destabilized the region, adding fuel to an already volatile situation.

Escalation and Retaliation

Following the initial strikes, Iran responded within hours by launching missiles and drones targeting U.S. military bases and allied territories across the region. Key installations in Bahrain and Qatar were reportedly among the targets.

Air travel across several Middle Eastern countries has since been suspended, effectively grounding flights and disrupting global mobility.

The conflict is no longer contained—it is expanding.

Global Economy on Edge

The economic impact is already being felt worldwide.

One major concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage that handles around 20% of the world’s supply. Any disruption here could trigger a massive surge in oil prices.

Experts warn that crude oil could spike to as high as $120 to $150 per barrel, a scenario that could ripple across global markets.

What This Means for the Philippines

For the Philippines, the consequences hit close to home.

• Fuel prices are expected to rise sharply
• Transportation and basic goods may become more expensive
• Inflation could exceed government targets
• Economic growth projections for 2026 may slow down

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has already raised concerns about inflationary pressures, which could lead to higher interest rates and affect infrastructure development.

Simply put—this global conflict could directly impact the daily expenses of Filipino households.

OFWs in Danger Zones

One of the most urgent concerns is the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.

The Philippine government has placed agencies on high alert, with embassies issuing “shelter-in-place” advisories, particularly in high-risk areas like Qatar.

While no casualties have been reported so far, preparations for possible mass repatriation are already underway. Financial assistance has been pledged, but logistical challenges remain due to airport closures and ongoing military activity.

For many Filipino families, this crisis is deeply personal.

The China Factor: A Bigger Threat Looms

What makes this situation even more alarming is the involvement of China.

While not officially entering the war, China has reportedly extended indirect military and technical support to Iran. This move raises fears of a broader global conflict, as major powers begin to align into opposing blocs.

Analysts warn that any escalation involving China could push the situation toward a much larger and more dangerous confrontation.

Editorial: A War the World Cannot Afford

As the dust settles from the first wave of attacks, one question lingers—was this inevitable?

History reminds us that war often solves one problem only to create many more. While some argue that military action was necessary to prevent a nuclear threat, others see this as a failure of diplomacy.

For countries like the Philippines, this is not a war we chose—but it is one we will feel.

From rising fuel prices to the uncertainty faced by OFWs, the effects are real and immediate.

Final Thoughts

The unfolding crisis in the Middle East is more than just headlines—it is a global turning point.

Whether “Operation Epic Fury” leads to long-term stability or deeper conflict remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the world has entered a new era of uncertainty.

For Filipinos, the focus now shifts to preparedness, resilience, and the hope that peace can still find its way back into a divided world.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are no longer a “future concept”—they’re already on our roads. In Cagayan de Oro City, more EV cars, e-motorcycles, and hybrid vehicles are being seen daily, quietly moving through our streets and reshaping how we think about transportation. With EV chargers becoming more common nationwide, now is the perfect time for CDO to take a bold step forward: legislate the inclusion of EV charging points in new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

EVs Are Already Here—Our Infrastructure Must Catch Up

The rise of EVs in Cagayan de Oro didn’t happen overnight. High fuel prices, increasing environmental awareness, and the availability of EV models in the Philippine market have pushed more Kagay-anons to consider electric mobility. However, one major concern remains: charging access.

Without enough charging stations, EV adoption slows down. By requiring new buildings—especially condominiums, malls, offices, and industrial facilities—to include EV charging points, the city removes a major barrier for future EV owners. This proactive move ensures that infrastructure grows alongside demand, not years behind it.

A Smart Urban Planning Move for a Growing City

CDO is a rapidly expanding urban center. New subdivisions, mixed-use developments, and business hubs are constantly being built. Adding EV charging provisions now is far more cost-effective than retrofitting buildings later. Legislating this early sends a clear message: Cagayan de Oro is planning for the long term.

Cities that prepare early for EV integration benefit from smoother transitions, reduced congestion from fuel-based transport, and more efficient energy use. This is not just about vehicles—it’s about smart, future-ready urban planning.

Environmental Benefits We Can’t Ignore

Promoting EVs aligns perfectly with CDO’s environmental goals. Traditional vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions. EVs, on the other hand, produce zero tailpipe emissions. With proper legislation encouraging EV use, the city can reduce its carbon footprint, improve air quality, and promote healthier living conditions for residents.

As climate change continues to impact Mindanao through stronger typhoons and unpredictable weather, local governments must act. Encouraging EV use through supportive infrastructure is a practical and impactful response.

Encouraging Citizens to Embrace EVs

Legislation doesn’t just regulate—it influences behavior. When people see EV charging points becoming a standard feature in homes, offices, and malls, EV ownership becomes more practical and less intimidating. Accessibility builds confidence.

This also helps normalize EVs in daily life. Just like parking slots and bike racks, EV chargers become a visible symbol of progress and environmental responsibility.

Economic and Investment Opportunities

EV-ready buildings are more attractive to investors, developers, and future tenants. Businesses benefit from lower operational costs, while property developers gain a competitive edge by offering modern, sustainable features.

By leading in EV legislation, CDO positions itself as a forward-thinking city—an attractive destination for green investments and technology-driven industries.

The Right Time Is Now

Waiting means falling behind. EV adoption in Cagayan de Oro is already happening, and legislation should support—not delay—this transition. Requiring EV charging points in new domestic and industrial buildings is a practical, achievable step that benefits citizens, the environment, and the city’s future.

Cagayan de Oro has always been a city of innovation and resilience. By promoting EV use today through smart legislation, we ensure that tomorrow’s CDO is cleaner, greener, and ready for what’s next.

As of January 2026, Cagayan de Oro City continues to show steady economic growth, strengthening its role as the regional hub of Northern Mindanao. The city’s economy remains driven by trade, services, education, real estate, logistics, and infrastructure development, with Uptown expansion and mixed-use projects shaping a more modern urban landscape.

CDO continues to attract investments in residential, commercial, and office developments, supported by its strategic location, growing workforce, and presence of major educational institutions. In terms of commerce, the city remains a center for shopping, healthcare, banking, and professional services, serving not only its residents but nearby provinces as well.

However, tourism remains one of the city’s weakest sectors.

White Water Rafting—once CDO’s flagship tourism product—has significantly declined over the past decade. At present, the city has limited tourist attractions, resulting in most visitors treating Cagayan de Oro as a transit hub rather than a destination. Tourists typically stay briefly before heading to Camiguin Island, Dahilayan in Bukidnon, or other parts of Northern Mindanao.

Realistically, the city’s main tourism offerings are hotel accommodations, dining options, and shopping malls. Beyond these, CDO functions more as a gateway city than a leisure destination.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

To unlock stronger tourism growth, the city may need to actively invite investors to develop tourism-driven businesses such as theme parks, amusement parks, entertainment complexes, or family-friendly attractions. Another viable path is for the local government to initiate man-made tourism projects, similar to what Singapore has successfully done—creating destination attractions despite having limited natural tourism resources.

Moving forward, while Cagayan de Oro’s economy remains strong as a business and service hub, diversifying into tourism-led development could help balance growth, increase visitor stays, generate jobs, and elevate the city from being just a regional hub to a true destination in Northern Mindanao.

The Philippines marks a historic milestone in digital connectivity as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremonial launch of the partnership between Globe Telecom and Starlink, introducing Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellite service to the country. The event, held last Friday at The Globe Tower, formally positioned Globe as the first telecom provider in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia to bring Starlink’s DTC technology to market.

This breakthrough initiative is set to redefine mobile connectivity across the nation, particularly in remote, rural, and geographically isolated communities.

Direct-to-Cell Connectivity: A First for Southeast Asia

Starting this year, Filipinos using standard LTE mobile phones will be able to access essential mobile services such as text messaging, data for voice and video calls through apps, and messaging—as long as there is a clear view of the sky. No special devices or satellite phones are required.

For an archipelagic country made up of more than 7,600 islands, the launch of satellite-to-mobile connectivity is a game changer, especially in areas where terrestrial mobile infrastructure is unavailable or difficult to deploy.

Closing the Connectivity Gap in GIDAs

By leveraging Starlink’s constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, Globe aims to address long-standing mobile coverage gaps, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). The service is expected to benefit the remaining 4% of the Filipino population who currently live without any terrestrial mobile coverage.

Through this technology, communities in rural and maritime areas will gain access not only to communication services but also to digital government platforms, including the eGov App, supporting broader digital inclusion efforts.

Connectivity as a Disaster Resiliency Essential

Beyond everyday communication, Direct-to-Cell satellite service is positioned as a critical disaster resiliency tool. In times of typhoons, earthquakes, or other natural disasters—when conventional mobile networks may be disrupted—DTC will serve as a resilient backup layer to help keep communication lines open.

This capability strengthens national resilience, supports emergency responders, and ensures that affected communities remain connected when they need it most.

Globe’s Commitment to a Digitally Inclusive Nation

“This partnership with Starlink marks a historic step in our mission to build a digitally inclusive nation,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. “Connectivity is no longer a privilege—it is a lifeline and a modern-day utility that fuels individual opportunity and national economic progress.”

He emphasized that the collaboration is not just about advanced technology, but about inclusivity, resilience, and empowering every Filipino, whether in urban centers or the most remote barangays, to thrive in the digital age.

How Starlink Direct-to-Cell Works

Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service, developed by SpaceX, functions like a cell tower in space, allowing satellites to connect directly to LTE mobile phones. These satellites communicate seamlessly with each other using laser links, enabling global coverage and network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.

Globally, Starlink already connects over 12 million customers across 22 countries on six continents. Its DTC service has proven vital during emergencies, delivering millions of SMS messages and Wireless Emergency Alerts when terrestrial networks were down.

A Strong Partnership for a More Connected Philippines

As the world’s largest 4G/LTE coverage provider, Starlink partners with mobile network operators worldwide. With Globe as its Philippine partner, the collaboration is expected to empower Filipino households, businesses, and communities with more accessible and reliable connectivity.

This landmark partnership reinforces Globe’s vision of a more connected Philippines, where access to essential communication services is available to everyone—regardless of location or circumstance.