Australia–Japan Diplomacy: Australia and Japan agreed to push supply chains, energy, critical minerals, trade and security, plus capacity-building to help Pacific island states fight money laundering—though climate change was notably left off the agenda. Skills & Fashion Tech: Central Visayas is scouting its next global WorldSkills champion, with categories spanning electronics, ICT, welding—and even fashion technology—sending winners toward the national finals. Local Arts & Culture: Lapu-Lapu City’s Art Gallery and Cultural Hub has reopened, offering free space for local artists via quarterly exhibits, weekly art markets, and workshops. Health Watch: Cebu Province reported 319 confirmed HIV cases in 2025 (excluding Cebu City and other independent areas), with a 12-year-old among the youngest recorded patients. Timor-Leste in the Spotlight: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta urged “practical diplomacy” over hardware-first thinking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, arguing prevention and trust matter most. Education Integrity: The Philippine Embassy in Dili says some “Philippine schools” in Timor-Leste are operating without DepEd accreditation, prompting calls to align with rules.