News

Eastern Communications, the leading provider of ICT solutions and telecommunications in the Philippines, has expanded its network and digital services throughout the Eastern Visayas with the official launch of its services in Calbayog City, Samar.

On October 15, 2025, the company’s signature “Via Eastern” event took place at the Baypark Hotel in Calbayog to commemorate the milestone. It brought together local business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to discuss how Eastern is promoting digital transformation and facilitating inclusive growth in the area.

Local officials and partner organizations, including Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and ICT Council President Nancy Lanuza, joined the Via Eastern Calbayog celebration, recognizing Eastern’s contribution to advancing the city’s development agenda and promoting technology-driven progress across Samar.

“It is with great pride and excitement [that I join] today’s launch of Eastern Communications, a new [telco] player in our city. We know that connection should not only be faster, but it needs to be stable with the modern digital era at this time. Congratulations to Eastern Communications and thank you for helping move our city forward,” said Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Raymund Uy.

Driving digital growth in Samar’s emerging business hub

The expansion underscores Eastern Communications’ commitment to bridging digital gaps and empowering emerging business cities nationwide. As part of its strategy to strengthen regional presence, Eastern Communications identified Calbayog as a key business city in its joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the largest submarine cable infrastructure project in the country. The PDSCN Express Route is made up of 80% undersea cables, allowing it to deliver resilient and reliable connectivity and bring world-class telecommunications services to more Filipinos.

As Calbayog positions itself to become a premier economic, ecological, and tourism center in Samar, Eastern Communications’ entry will play a vital role in building the city’s ICT backbone. The telco will provide advanced business connectivity services, including Eastern Fiber 1 shared internet and Internet Direct Service (IDS) dedicated connectivity. These solutions are designed to empower local MSMEs, agribusinesses, retail enterprises, and hospitality establishments to thrive in the digital economy.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern Communications will also offer a complete suite of ICT solutions such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Center Services, and Business Applications. These tools enable enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer engagement.

“Our expansion to Calbayog aligns with Eastern Communications’ vision to strengthen our presence across the Visayas region,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer. “By making Calbayog our entry point to reach more areas in Samar, we aim to empower local communities and businesses with resilient and reliable internet services. Through our strong connectivity and comprehensive ICT solutions, we’re committed to helping the region thrive and support the country’s digital growth.”

Eastern’s services are expected to benefit Calbayog’s key industries, starting with agribusiness, where reliable connectivity will support operations across farming, processing, and logistics. The trade, retail, and services sector will also gain from improved efficiency and business continuity through dependable internet and ICT solutions. Meanwhile, the hospitality and tourism industry will be strengthened as hotels, restaurants, and tourist destinations enhance their guest experience and digital access, helping promote Calbayog as a vibrant destination for both local and international visitors.

Eastern Communications has more than 145 years of experience, and it is still committed to providing “High Tech” and “High Touch” solutions that strengthen communities and businesses. As it keeps growing, one city at a time, the organization underlines its dedication to creating a digitally empowered Philippines where advancement and connectivity coexist.

Call 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph for additional details about Eastern Communications’ offerings.

 

 

 

 

 

PRULove Wealth Direct, the first single-pay traditional endowment life insurance product on the market that can be purchased online, is introduced by Pru Life UK. The company’s goal to simplify and make financial solutions more accessible for Filipinos while meeting their demands for protection and financial rewards is reflected in this innovation.

The new medication is solely available on PRUShoppe.com and may be bought online without requiring physical proof or medical exams. In addition to a complete refund of the premium at the conclusion of the seven-year term and 125% of the single premium as life insurance coverage, it offers guaranteed net annual cash payouts for seven years that are equivalent to 4% of the single premium.

“PRULove Wealth Direct opens doors for individuals who wish to secure their future but face barriers like limited time, restricted access, or insufficient resources,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer at Pru Life UK. “It is a straightforward solution that enables more Filipinos to make most out of life and prepare for key milestones—through a seamless online purchase experience.”

“This streamlined digital process is designed to empower consumers with direct access to life insurance—particularly those looking for services beyond traditional financial channels, and those seeking alternative tools that offer growth and protection,” Dee added.

Policyholders can also access their money for large needs or emergencies thanks to loanable cash values. Policyholders can obtain guaranteed payouts equivalent to high-yield time deposits with a single payment. With the extra benefit of a safety net in the form of life insurance, the product functions as an alternative to traditional savings.

As the Philippine life insurance market continues to develop through digital innovation, PRULove Wealth Direct’s launch coincides with a significant turning point in the sector. Pru Life UK is responding to the growing number of Filipinos looking for flexible, easily accessible ways to safeguard their financial future by offering solutions that enable people to follow their passions and get ready for life’s milestones—for every life, for every future.

Please visit PRUShoppe.com and consult the relevant product terms and conditions for further information.

 

 

 

Books have the power to cross borders, carrying the voices, experiences, and cultures of those who create them. This capacity to bring people together takes center stage at the Asia Stage of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. From October 15 to 19, illustrators, writers, publishers, and thought leaders from across Asia will gather to share their stories, celebrate their craft, and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian literature to the world.

The Asia Stage is the vision of Rex Education, brought to life in partnership with Frankfurt Buchmesse and supported by the National Book Development Board. Its journey began in 2018 as the ASEAN Forum, evolved into the ASEAN Stage in 2019, and in 2024, it embraced its current identity: the Asia Stage. What began as a noble idea to highlight regional publishing has grown into a recognized platform, a stage where the depth of Asia’s literary voices can shine on the global scene.

At the heart of this initiative is Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Chairman and President of Rex Education. His lifelong passion for literature and publishing has guided this vision from the start. As a co-founder of the Asia Pacific Publishers Association and the ASEAN Book Publishers Association, he has long believed that the stories of Asia deserve a wider audience. Through this initiative, he has sought to open doors for publishers to share works that mirror their nations’ creativity, hopes, struggles, and resilience.

For REX, the Asia Stage has grown beyond a program. It has become a brand, a symbol of years of dedication to supporting Asian publishers and content creators at one of the world’s most important book fairs.

This year, with the Philippines as Guest of Honor, the Asia Stage brings a deeper dimension to the country’s participation. It reminds us that Filipino literature is part of a much larger story—one that connects with the voices and visions of Asia. For 5 days, the Asia Stage will host conversations, panels, and presentations that explore the education landscape, the evolving world of publishing, and the many ways culture continues to shape and inspire the region’s literature. Through this collaboration, REX and Frankfurt Buchmesse renew their shared commitment to uplifting Asian stories and ensuring that these voices continue to be heard, seen, championed, and remembered.

As the Frankfurt Book Fair opens its doors, the Asia Stage will stand with much gratitude and pride, inviting the world to witness and listen. It is a reminder that stories carry power. They connect us, inspire us, and transform us. For 5 days, Asia will speak, and the world will listen.

 

Through its inaugural River Clean-Up Drive at the Mexico Plaza Ferry Station in Intramuros, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (PCG MARSLEC) celebrated a significant milestone in environmental sustainability, community resilience, and disaster preparedness.

In order to restore the Pasig River, the program brought together BPI officials, Coast Guard officers, auxiliary groups, and employee volunteers.

In accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement, BPI gave the rescue boats to PCG MARSLEC earlier this month, and the activity also marked the vessels’ first formal sea trial.

Through the combined efforts of BPI, PCG MARSLEC, the Coast Guard National Capital Region–Central Luzon (CG NCRCL), PCGA 109th Squadron, and volunteers, the cleanup collected 200 sacks—equivalent to more than 10,000 kilograms of waste and debris. The collective action underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing both disaster readiness and environmental stewardship.

“These boats symbolize more than just preparedness for emergencies; they represent BPI’s commitment to protecting our communities and the environment,” said Dominador Bernales, Jr., BPI Chief Security Officer.

“By working with the Philippine Coast Guard, we ensure that our resources are managed by experts and put to effective use for both disaster response and sustainability initiatives like this river clean-up.”

The two boats, equipped with outboard motors, will be used for rescue operations, disaster response training, and environmental activities such as river and coastal cleanups. PCG MARSLEC will manage their safekeeping and operational readiness for three years, after which BPI will formally donate the boats.

The cleanup highlighted strong collaboration across agencies and organizations. Volunteers from BPI’s Enterprise Operations and Human Resources Segments joined PCG units and auxiliaries in clearing river waste, while tugboats, safety marshals, Emergency Medical Team stations, and logistics support ensured smooth and safe execution.

Section 147 of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Manual of Regulations for Banks, which requires efficient security and emergency response procedures, is reflected in the cooperation between BPI and PCG, which was initially established through an MOU in April 2025. The program exemplifies BPI’s overarching goal of improving the Philippines, one neighborhood at a time, in addition to compliance.

 

 

 

 

At the Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards, the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) won the Silver Award in the Social Category-Talent Management for the sustainABILITY project, which aims to close the growing green skills gap in the Philippines.

To create and offer training programs that are relevant to the business, the initiative collaborates closely with instructors, students, and Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) in Metro Manila and Cebu. These programs emphasize the development of green skills—the information, aptitudes, and behaviors that allow people to effectively contribute to the shift to a sustainable economy—in addition to technical competencies.

These skills are essential to meeting the growing demand for green jobs, which promote healthier lifestyles, increase resource efficiency, and foster innovation across industries. Green jobs not only provide economic opportunities but also promote social equity, strengthen community resilience, and reduce carbon emissions coming from non-renewable energy sources. By equipping future workers with essential knowledge and competencies aligned with the green economy, sustainABILITY helps prepare a future-ready and skilled workforce capable of taking on new opportunities in sustainable industries.

The Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards honor organizations that go beyond business as usual—those that integrate sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation into their strategies and operations. This year’s awardees were recognized for their leadership in advancing environmental stewardship, upholding human rights, and fostering inclusive development.

The group will proudly represent the nation at the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur later this year, bringing with it the burden of promoting a common vision of a more sustainable future for everybody, in addition to the pride of its accomplishments.

The acknowledgement that ASSIST received through the sustainABILITY project demonstrates its steadfast dedication to closing the green skills gap and building a workforce that is prepared for the future. Through the incorporation of sustainability into technical-vocational training, ASSIST empowers Filipinos to take advantage of the expanding green economy and effect significant change throughout the nation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The integrated Ingenico smart terminal and BSP-regulated HitPay platform empower Filipino merchants to accept all major transaction types, including GCash and Maya, via one device, simplifying compliance and reconciliation.
• HitPay and Ingenico aim to onboard 10,000 Filipino SMEs over the next 2 years across high-growth sectors like Retail, F&B, and Tourism, signaling a major investment in the nation’s digital economy.

A new all-in-one payments system introduced by BSP-regulated HitPay and world payment acceptance leader Ingenico is expected to provide Filipino SMEs with easier operations and quicker access to cash flow. The partnership gives local businesses the ability to easily accept credit cards and well-known e-wallets, among other major payment methods.

In order to assist merchants in accepting a variety of payment methods, including major credit/debit cards, QR-based payments such as GCash and Maya, and international cross-border payments, HitPay’s software platform is coupled with Ingenico’s smart terminal. This solution provides speedier access to cash flow and frequently settles payments faster than traditional models, which is beneficial for SMEs with limited margins.

Beyond access, the smart terminal also provides an affordable and simple way for SMEs to manage end-to-end operations from a single platform. These include unifying online and offline payment methods, issuing invoices, automating recurring billings, and accessing business insights to help inform key decisions.

The partnership also combines Ingenico’s global payments network, and HitPay’s extensive network made up of 25 regional payment partners, enabling SMEs to serve both domestic customers and tourists seamlessly.

“As the Philippines accelerates its ‘cash-lite’ goal, SMEs need to provide choice, speed, and security at checkout without being overwhelmed by complex software, multiple reconciliation steps, and high integration costs.,” said Aditya Haripurkar, Co-Founder and CEO of Hitpay. “Our collaboration with Ingenico goes beyond terminals and transactions; it is about democratizing access to enterprise-grade tools, giving SMEs the confidence to play their full part in the Philippines’ digital future.” 

“Ingenico’s mission has always been to simplify payments for businesses of every size. By working with HitPay and leveraging a comprehensive network of payment and banking partners, we’re giving Filipino SMEs access to secure and innovative tools that allow them to grow and stay relevant in a fast-changing market.”said Xavier Michel, Head of Southeast Asia Channel Markets, Ingenico

Businesses in important sectors like retail, food & beverage, and travel, where the transition to digital payments has been noticeable, have already started to use the partnership. Within the next two years, the collaboration hopes to empower 10,000 SMEs in the Philippines.

Serving more than 20,000 small businesses in the Philippines, HitPay is a BSP-regulated payment network that guarantees adherence to regional financial law

Eastern Communications distinguishes itself in a time when price wars and automation rule the telecom market with a potent differentiator: human-touched, individualized service. Eastern’s distinctive strategy was recently acknowledged at the Asian Experience Awards 2025 in Singapore, where its Link VIP Club customer loyalty program and 2024 “Partners in Progress” brand campaign won awards for Customer Experience of the Year and Brand Experience of the Year, respectively.

Launched in 2018 to foster Eastern’s connections with its most valued B2B clients, the Link VIP Club has now expanded into a full-fledged experience delivering unique incentives, elevated service touchpoints, and access to premium lifestyle events targeted to the demands of modern organizations.

Elevated experiences through the Titanium Tier

Unveiled in April at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Titanium Tier launch was a celebration of partnership and progress. This newest Link VIP Club level offers premium benefits such as 24/7 priority care, managed connectivity solutions, exclusive event access, and curated learning sessions. Designed to deepen client relationships and elevate the customer experience, these perks align with Eastern Communications’ “High Tech, High Touch” philosophy.

“Customer-centric innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Eastern Communications. “Through the expanded Link VIP Club perks, we’re elevating the way we serve with smarter solutions, faster resolution time, and exclusive access to experiences to empower our clients for the future. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to stay ahead of them and anticipate challenges before they’re even felt. Because at Eastern, every client journey deserves excellence.”

Furthering its client-first approach, the telco provider hosted its first-ever golf tournament exclusively for Titanium members on July 17, 2025, in Laguna. This inaugural event brought together some of Eastern Communications’ most loyal clients for a day of friendly competition, networking, and shared celebration.

“Our company has been with Eastern Communications since 2015, and we really feel special. This event is more on engagement and relationship building, which I think is the key to being long-time partners,” said Yeng Molero, owner of APN Philippines Inc.

Recognized commitment to client engagement

Aside from the 2025 Asian Experience Awards, Eastern’s “high touch” service has garnered significant acknowledgment across various regional marketing platforms.

Eastern Communications earned recognition at the 2025 Carrier Community Global Awards in Berlin, winning the Best Sales and Marketing Team of the Year award, highlighting the strength and impact of its customer engagement initiatives. The telco also took home a bronze award for Excellence in B2B Marketing at the Marketing Excellence Awards Philippines.

Most importantly, Eastern Communications’ dedication to exceptional service is reflected in the feedback of its clients.

“As an Eastern client, I really enjoyed the after-sales and pre-sales services. Most businesses really need reliability and fast connection, and in case there are downtimes, the team has to be very approachable. It’s truly great that we are partnered with Eastern. I would really recommend Eastern based on our company’s overall experience, knowing that we can confidently stand by our recommendation,” said Shin Enriquez, Network Operation Section Head at Bank of Commerce.

Ross Garcia, Head of Public Relations at San Miguel Holdings, shared, “Eastern Communications is very proud of their service, [and] as they say, it is very personalized and exceeds every client’s expectations. They go the extra mile and they provide services that really can’t be matched by other competitors.”

This illustrates how Eastern sees its clients as long-term partners in success and reflects the company’s branding message of being Partners in Progress. Through custom events, priority support, milestone sharing, and fostering relationships beyond business, the telco keeps showcasing this value.

Visit www.eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000 to find out more about Eastern Communications’ dedication to providing High Tech, High Touch service and the Link VIP Club Program.

 

Pru Life UK is pleased to report a 20% rise in Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) qualifiers from 2024 to 2025, with 328 financial agents achieving the internationally renowned distinction, up from 273 in 2024. The company’s dedication to creating a top-tier agency force based on superior professionalism, ethics, and customer service is reaffirmed by this noteworthy expansion.

The company’s involvement in forming the future generation of elite financial agents in accordance with global best practices is demonstrated by the fact that Pru Life UK is currently ranked among the Top 100 Companies worldwide in terms of MDRT membership, according to the most recent data given by MDRT.

MDRT is widely regarded as the premier global association of leading life insurance and financial services professionals. With its rigorous qualification standards and emphasis on ethical, client-centric practices, MDRT membership remains one of the most prestigious accomplishments in the industry.

“Joining the MDRT ranks is not just a badge of honour. It’s a testament to the hard work, customer-centric approach, and pursuit of excellence of our agents and advisors,” said Maria Theresa Rivera, Pru Life UK Vice President & Head for PRUPremier & Industry Recognition. “This achievement affirms our long-term commitment to nurturing best-in-class talent and delivering meaningful financial solutions to more Filipino families.”

The surge in MDRT qualifiers follows a landmark move by Pru Life UK’s parent company, Prudential plc, which in February 2025 entered a three-year premier sponsorship with MDRT. This strategic alliance aims to accelerate business growth and professional development for agents across markets through bespoke learning programs and leadership opportunities.

Empowerment initiative

With support from Prudential plc, Pru Life UK has continued to scale its PRUMDRT programme—a proprietary recognition and empowerment initiative developed exclusively for Prudential agents. Co-designed with MDRT.org, PRUMDRT offers a holistic support ecosystem for a distinct tier of agents, combining curated learning resources, cross-market networking, and mentorship rooted in MDRT values.

To date, 100 Prudential advisors have undergone training through the MDRT Academy, equipping them with critical tools to qualify for MDRT. Meanwhile, more than 4,500 agents have benefited from Prudential’s robust mentorship initiative focused on skill-building, network expansion, and reputation growth.

Pru Life UK representatives joined over 1,300 Prudential attendees from 16 markets at the 2025 Prudential MDRT Annual Meeting held in Bangkok from 8-10 July. The conference featured mainstage speeches, dynamic breakout sessions, and motivational engagements from industry leaders and visionaries including MDRT President Carol Kheng and ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Additionally, it was the first mid-year celebration for agents who qualified for MDRT, which boosted performance in the second half and motivated agency executives to reconsider their development plans.

In order to bring the momentum closer to home and empower more agents through localized learning and recognition, the Philippines held its own local MDRT Day on September 11. This program is a component of Prudential’s overarching goal to integrate MDRT culture across all of its Asian and African markets.

“Through continued investment in its people, strategic partnerships, and purpose-driven programmes, Pru Life UK remains steadfast in our mission to empower Filipino families with trusted financial protection delivered by some of the most respected and globally recognised agents in the industry today,” Rivera added.

 

 

• Rural poverty in the Philippines affects 25.7% of the population, including many farmers and fisherfolk.
• Women-led social enterprises such as Caviteño Isabelino Multipurpose Cooperative and Lourdes Multipurpose Cooperative are creating sustainable livelihoods and driving values-based innovations in agriculture and cooperatives.
• Guided by the triple bottom line (3BL) framework of people, planet, and profit, the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI), a social investment nonprofit, supports women-led enterprises in expanding services, scaling operations, and improving communities.

A social investment nonprofit organization called the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) is assisting women-led social enterprises that are promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the Philippines, where rural poverty still poses a threat to agricultural communities. FSSI enables Filipina entrepreneurs to revolutionize rural economies through creative, community-based business models that strike a balance between profit and social and environmental impact by offering financial services and chances for capacity building.

During its 30th anniversary celebration last  September 5, 2025, in Quezon City, FSSI presented  the inaugural Triple Bottomline (3BL) Awards to honor social enterprises—many led by women—that drive inclusive growth, climate resilience, and community-based innovation. The awards underscore the need to support local leadership in rural areas, where poverty remains high at 25.7%, and many farmers and fisherfolk still live below the poverty line, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

For some of the women leaders from rural multipurpose cooperatives, this persistent poverty is potentially driven by low farmgate prices, high production costs, recurring natural disasters, and limited access to markets and institutional support—even in years of productive harvests.

To confront these systemic issues, women-led social enterprises are filling critical gaps—creating sustainable livelihoods and introducing values-driven innovations in agri-processing, retail, and cooperative development. With support from FSSI, guided by the3BLstrategy that measures success by profit, social impact, and environmental responsibility, these enterprises receive tailored financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building to grow and scale their operations.

In Echague, Isabela, Caviteño Isabelino Multipurpose Cooperative (CAISA-MPC) tackles issues like pest infestations, climate change, limited market access, poor infrastructure, and lack of capital by expanding its services. With FSSI’s support through training, seminars, and capital loan, the organization was able to strengthen its operations and pursue its vision of focusing on people, planet, and profit. This has helped them grow and sustain initiatives such as pineapple production and processing, a rice mill, agri-machinery rentals, and a processing center, enabling them to better serve their members.

“Through FSSI’s support, we’ve trained our members, provided them easy access to financing, and built a cooperative that uplifts the entire community, and not just farmers,” shared Maria Victoria Anahaw, Chief Executive Officer of CAISA-MPC. “From a credit co-op, we’ve grown into a multipurpose cooperative with 800 members, providing meaningful services beyond lending that truly benefit our members and help improve their quality of life.”

Similarly, Lourdes MPC in Occidental Mindoro addresses challenges like low farmgate prices and high input costs through an FSSI-funded agri-supply store that provides affordable, quality products, along with agri-loans and small business loans to support farmer-members in diversifying their income and growing their livelihoods. “We prioritize products that truly help our members by ensuring quality and safety while listening to their specific needs,” said Jesrryl Maye Obispo Agnas, Officer-in-Charge Branch Manager of Lourdes MPC. “It’s more than a store, it also empowers farmers to take better control of their production.”

In line with FSSI’s commitment to the 3BL, both cooperatives demonstrate how economic growth can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility and community well-being. CAISA-MPC, for instance, has adopted sustainable farming practices such as tree and bamboo planting along waterways and eliminating open burning. Lourdes MPC promotes climate-responsive planning and continues to assist members affected by natural calamities through both agricultural support and personal outreach.

Beyond growing sustainable businesses, these cooperatives are redefining gender roles in agriculture. In a sector long dominated by men, women like Anahaw and Agnas are leading with strength, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Supported by training, experience, and the trust of their communities, they are showing that women are fully capable of leading thriving, impactful enterprises.

“Filipina social entrepreneurs are proving that lasting rural transformation requires empowered leadership that cultivates communities towards sustainable growth,” said Sixto Donato C. Macasaet, Executive Director of FSSI. “To amplify their impact, we commit to invest in what truly sustains them—accessible capital, upgraded technologies, and continuous capacity-building that equips them to lead, innovate, and thrive.”

These FSSI-supported, women-led businesses offer a powerful example of inclusive, sustainable development based on local leadership and long-lasting solutions, particularly in rural areas where poverty and institutional impediments are prevalent.

For additional information on how FSSI supports rural livelihoods and empowers social entrepreneurs, visit fssi.com.ph or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FSSI.Philippines.

 

 

 

 

Rex Education proudly congratulates three of its distinguished authors—Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr., Managing Partner of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Atty. Nilo T. Divina, Managing Partner of Divina Law, and Atty. Tranquil A. Salvador, Partner at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles—for their recognition in the Asia Business Law Journal’s Philippines Top Lawyers 2025 A-List.

According to Asia Business Law Journal, A-List lawyers are “lawyers who are currently the star performers of the Philippines’ legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems, and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters.”

The journal also defines Legal Icons as “lawyers who are the luminaries of the Philippines’ legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead the Philippines’ most admired law firms and/or legal teams, and who are the country’s most prolific rainmakers.” Among those honored with this distinction are Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr. and Atty. Nilo T. Divina, who, aside from being part of the prestigious list, are also recognized as Icons.

Champions of Legal Practice and Education

Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr. is celebrated nationwide for his dual expertise as a leading practitioner and one of the country’s most prolific and trusted legal authors. His textbooks on Obligations and Contracts, Business Law, and Commercial Law remain indispensable in business programs and law schools. His works on the Philippine Constitution, Criminal Law, and related subjects continue to shape the legal literacy of countless law students and professionals.

Atty. Nilo T. Divina is equally admired as a premier corporate and litigation strategist and the transformative leader of Divina Law. His authoritative texts on Commercial and Corporation Law are essential references for law students, bar reviewees, and practitioners seeking clarity on complex commercial issues.

Atty. Tranquil A. Salvador, a recognized leader in litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is also an esteemed law professor and author whose works advance the study of Remedial Law. Beyond his practice areas—which include aviation, insurance, mining, and ADR—he has made a profound impact on legal education through his widely respected textbooks and bar reviewer materials such as Footnotes Vol. I: Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure.

“Being recognized as part of the prestigious list and called icons of Philippine law underscores the enduring impact of Atty. De Leon, Atty. Divina, and Atty. Salvador—not only in their respective practice areas, but also in their invaluable contributions to Philippine legal education through their published works,” said Rex Education CEO, Don Timothy I. Buhain. “Their scholarship and leadership align with our aspirations: to nurture minds and transform communities through education.”

Rex Education takes immense pride in being the publishing partner of these exceptional legal minds and joins the legal and academic communities in celebrating their well-deserved recognition in Philippine Law and Legal Education.

Congratulations, Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr., Atty. Nilo T. Divina, and Atty. Tranquil A. Salvador—whose work continues to shape the future of Philippine law.