Lifestyle

To provide “The Gift of Protection” to thousands of daily commuters throughout December Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. (MICO), one of the country’s leading non-life insurance providers, has partnered with LRT-1 to power a month-long holiday campaign.

This initiative offers complimentary Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage to LRT-1 commuters throughout the entire month of December. The initiative, dubbed “The Gift of Protection,” aims to provide peace of mind to thousands of Filipino commuters during the busiest travel season of the year, when millions rush through Metro Manila’s railways for holiday shopping, year-end gatherings, and trips to provincial bus terminals for the Christmas break.

“December is the most hectic time for Filipino commuters—carrying gifts, rushing to catch buses home, navigating crowded stations,” said Eden Tesoro, Chief Operating Officer of Malayan Insurance. “We wanted to cut through the holiday chaos with a meaningful gesture that reminds Filipinos that protection isn’t an expense—it’s a gift, and one we’re honored to give this Christmas season.”

The campaign features a full station takeover at LRT-1’s Gil Puyat Station, a key transit point for commuters heading to Makati’s business districts and nearby provincial bus terminals. A fully-wrapped LRT-1 train will also traverse the line throughout December, spreading the message of safety and protection across the metro.

Commuters can avail of the complimentary PA insurance coverage by simply scanning QR codes displayed throughout Gil Puyat Station and on the branded train. The seamless digital process requires only basic information—name and mobile number—and issues a digital policy certificate instantly.

“This partnership with LRT-1 allows us to meet Filipinos where they are, literally,” Tesoro added. “We want to bring protection to the forefront during a time they need it most; that’s what future-proofing protection means to us.”

The campaign reflects Malayan Insurance’s broader commitment to making insurance more accessible and relevant to everyday Filipinos, shifting the perception of insurance from a burdensome expense to a caring investment in one’s safety and future.

The “Gift of Protection” campaign runs through the whol

In a world where technology continuously influences how people live, learn, and connect, one question remains urgent: how do we keep education human?

Rex Education placed that question at the heart of this year’s Annual Educators’ Congress (AECON 2025): Special Edition on Education 5.0, held on October 23 and 24, at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque City. With the theme “Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing,” the congress gathered school leaders, teachers, and education advocates from across the country for 2 days of reflective conversations and practical exchanges focused on putting people at the center of learning.

Reclaiming the Heart of Education

While Education 4.0 was driven by innovation and digital transformation, Education 5.0 calls for balance. It seeks to place humanity back at the core of learning, embracing technology with care, empathy, and purpose.

In his opening remarks, Rex Education CEO Don Timothy Buhain shared a heartfelt reflection on AECON’s significance and the deeper meaning of Education 5.0, emphasizing that “education has always been, and will always be, about people.” He explained that Education 5.0 is to make sure that as we move forward, we never forget the human being at the center of it all. “Technology will always be a means and a tool, but people will always be the purpose,” he emphasized.

What Education 5.0 means for REX

This year’s theme—Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing—defines REX’s vision for Education 5.0. Each word carries a practical and moral commitment.

Being Agentive is about being self-directed and purposeful; also being involved and capable of taking action. Meanwhile, being Ethical concerns choices guided by our values, having integrity, compassion, and moral discernment. Being Connected points to the relationships that make learning possible—with schools, families, and communities. Moreover, being Open stands for inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency. Nurturing brings all these elements together. It calls for learning environments that support the whole person—intellect, emotion, and spirit—so learners can grow with confidence and succeed in life.

Highlights of AECON 2025

The first day of AECON featured an interactive Pre-Conference Session led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the National Teachers College. Through hands-on activities and reflective exercises, participants explored three key tenets: Institutionalizing Less is More, Opening Pathways and Doorways, and Investing in Immersion, gaining practical tools to help build a stronger, more future-ready Senior High School program.

The main conference on October 24 opened with the Learner Panel Spotlight, “Kami Naman Talaga Sana,” and the keynote address, “Reclaiming Humanity in Education 5.0,” by Rev. Fr. Jessel “JBoy” M. Gonzales, SJ of Ateneo de Davao University.

Two pannel discussions followed. The first panel, “Beyond Lifelong Learning: Content, Methodology, & Assessment that Matter,” featured esteemed education leaders Dr. Marlene Ferido, Dr. Violeta Valladolid, and Dr. Brando “ER” C. Palomar, moderated by Ms. Rita Atienza of the Ateneo de Manila University.

The second panel, “Of Numbers and Narratives: Quality Schools that Promote IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Sustainability) In Focus,” featured Dr. Malcolm S. Garma and Ms. Maria Louella M. Tampinco. The session was moderated by Mr. Narcy Ador Dionisio, Executive Director of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.

The day’s sessions concluded with a synthesis led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, bringing together key insights and reflections from the discussions.

A Shared Hope for the Future

Across two inspiring days, AECON 2025 became a space where educators rediscovered the heart of their work. Through

meaningful discussions and heartfelt exchanges, participants were reminded that the future of learning begins not with technology, but with people—those who teach, those who learn, and those who dare to make education better for all.

As the conference came to a close, Rex Education reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing every Filipino learner and supporting teachers and school leaders through relevant, future-ready, and deeply human learning solutions.

Because in the end, Education 5.0 is not only about adapting to the future—it’s about creating one led by heart, humanity, and purpose.

Entrepreneurs and partners gather at the MSME Summit 2025 hosted by Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines in partnership with SM Supermalls at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

Entrepreneurs, business executives, and important stakeholders were invited to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall by Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines in collaboration with SM Supermalls. The occasion demonstrated Jobstreet and SM Supermalls’ joint dedication to empowering Filipino MSMEs and promoting sustainable growth for the country’s core industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, underscored the summit’s goal: promoting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM aims to be a partner in every MSME’s success story.” Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, reinforces SM’s commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs as he delivers the inspirational message and accepts a Plaque of Appreciation from Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, during the MSME Summit held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, on November 25, 2025.

Pasay City, November 12, 2025 — Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. “When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened.” SM’s own growth story mirrors that of its MSME partners. From a small shoe store in Carriedo to 88 malls nationwide, SM understands the value of small beginnings. “Almost 70% of our tenants are MSMEs—their success is the foundation of SM’s continued growth,” San Agustin added. Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company provides high-foot-traffic spaces, market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.

Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College accepts her Plaque of Appreciation from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet (right) by Seek Country Marketing head.

Key sessions addressed practical needs for MSMEs. Participants learned how to scale their first hire with Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet, explored AI applications for small businesses with Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College, and received insights on logistics and operations from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan. Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on smart marketing on a budget, while a panel from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared finance hacks for sustainable growth.

Industry experts Ms.Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan present logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale.

MSME Summit 2025 partners BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo and Asialink host a panel learning session tackling finance hacks for MSMEs

Participants were motivated by real-life examples of growing Filipino enterprises, such as Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate. The Partner Passport Challenge and partner demonstrations strengthened learning, networking, and hands-on involvement.

Attendees make their rounds at the Partner Passport Challenge, visiting different booths to learn about hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and partner services that support MSME growth.

The MSME Summit 2025 reiterated SM Supermalls’ dedication to Filipino entrepreneurship by offering partnerships, initiatives, and venues that support MSMEs in their efforts to grow, innovate, and prosper in a quickly changing economy.