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Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) is strengthening technology-enabled education through its partnership with Khan Academy Philippines under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Adopt-a-School Program. The collaboration equips public elementary schools in Davao City with digital learning resources, internet connectivity, and teacher support to improve classroom instruction.

The program was formally launched through the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) and Deeds of Donation at Tugbok Central Elementary School on July 14, 2026, followed by similar ceremonies at T. Awad Echevarria Elementary School and Paradise Embac Elementary School on July 15, 2026. Representatives from Alsons Dev, the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc., Khan Academy Philippines, DepEd Region XI, local government units, and participating schools attended the events. During the turnover, 128 tablets were donated to the three beneficiary schools, along with demonstrations showcasing the Khan Academy learning platform.

More than providing devices, Alsons Dev is also funding three years of internet connectivity, teacher training, and implementation support, ensuring partner schools have the resources and guidance needed to effectively integrate the Khan Academy platform into classroom instruction.

Khan Academy Philippines President and CEO, Atty. Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, emphasized the importance of partnerships in expanding access to quality education, “At Khan Academy Philippines, we believe every learner deserves access to quality education, regardless of circumstance. While we provide free learning resources, support from private organizations like Alsons Dev plays a vital role in helping schools overcome barriers to implementation and create more opportunities for students to reach their full potential.”

Through Khan Academy’s personalized online learning platform, students gain free access to instructional videos and practice exercises in Math, Science, and English, with lessons aligned to the DepEd curriculum. Teachers and school administrators can also monitor student progress through a built-in dashboard.

“We believe education creates opportunities that shape a young person’s future. Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen learning in our public schools by giving students access to the tools and resources they need to learn, grow, and pursue their aspirations. By investing in young learners today, we are helping build stronger communities for generations to come,” said Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel Rene A. Dominguez.

The three-year program marks the start of a sustained effort to expand access to digital learning and create more engaging educational experiences in public schools. It underscores Alsons Dev’s commitment to enriching lives by opening more opportunities for individuals and communities to grow and succeed.

For more information about Alsons Dev’s community initiatives, visit www.alsonsdev.co

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For many young Filipinos, money management has become a digital-first habit. From settling bills and transferring funds to monitoring their spending, smartphones have become their primary banking tool. This shift toward digital convenience is now extending to how they build their savings.

Metrobank has seen a growing demand for online savings accounts among younger customers, with Gen Z and millennials making up more than 87% of all Metrobank eSavings accounts opened since the beginning of the year. The trend reflects how more Filipinos are embracing digital banking, choosing convenient and accessible platforms to help them grow their savings anytime, anywhere.

The trend reflects changing expectations around banking. Rather than viewing savings as a separate financial task that requires visiting a branch, many younger customers are integrating it into their daily digital lives, they are choosing to open and manage their savings accounts through mobile platforms like the Metrobank App, making it easier to begin saving whenever they’re ready, or for their other daily finances like fund transfers and bills payment.

Metrobank’s data also shows a snapshot of where this adoption is strongest. Nearly half of eSavings users come from Metro Manila and Region IV, areas with high concentrations of young professionals, while majority of accountholders are female, reflecting strong adoption among digitally connected, working-age Filipinos.

The figures suggest that convenience is only part of the appeal. As more young adults begin building careers, supporting their families, or planning for major life milestones, the importance of developing healthy financial habits has become more apparent. A savings account often serves as the starting point, not only for managing day-to-day finances but also for preparing for bigger financial goals.

Recognizing this evolving customer journey, Metrobank continues to expand the capabilities of its online banking platforms beyond basic transactions. Through the Metrobank App and Metrobank Online, customers can conveniently access a wider range of financial solutions designed to help their money work harder.

Beyond opening an eSavings account digitally, customers can also place funds in Online Time Deposit, allowing them to earn potentially higher returns while enjoying the convenience of managing their account online. Those looking to begin investing can also access UITF Online through Metrobank Online site, making it easier to explore professionally managed investment funds based on their financial goals and risk appetite.

By bringing savings and investment solutions together in its online banking channels, Metrobank aims to support customers at every stage of their financial journey, from building their first emergency fund to growing their wealth over the long term.

Saving doesn’t always begin with a large amount. More often, it starts with having the right tools that make the habit simple and accessible. By making these products available through its online banking channels, Metrobank aims to support customers throughout their financial journey, from developing the habit of saving, to growing their wealth over time.

To encourage more Filipinos to start their savings journey, Metrobank is running its eSavings Promo until September 30, 2026. New clients who open a Metrobank eSavings account through the Metrobank App and successfully register for the promo will receive a PHP100 Lazada Gift Card, subject to the promo’s terms and conditions.

As banking becomes more digital, the role of a savings account is also changing. For many young Filipinos, saving is no longer viewed as just another financial responsibility but as a daily habit supported by the convenience of digital banking, helping them steadily work toward a more secure financial future.

Metrobank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph/). Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) for up to P1 million per depositor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coca-Cola Philippines, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the City Government of Naga, and the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS) have partnered to launch the Solid Waste Management Operations (SWMO) Level III Training Program in Naga City. The initiative marks the program’s first official implementation under the expanded Trash Free Pilipinas Program (TFPP) framework.

The Memorandum of Agreement signing and Training Induction Program (TIP) took place on June 17, 2026, at Sitio Pasto, Barangay Cararayan, Naga City. The event brought together representatives from national and local government agencies, academic institutions, community organizations, and the private sector to officially launch a training program designed to strengthen local capabilities in ecological solid waste management.

The event was attended by TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, and Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Sustainability & Communications Christine Ponce-Garcia.

Helping build local capacity for waste management

As local governments work to meet the requirements of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, many Local Government Units (LGUs) and barangays continue to face capacity gaps, particularly in technical planning, waste segregation practices, and community-level implementation. The SWMO Level III Training Program is designed to help address these challenges.

The training program equips barangay officials, LGU personnel, and environmental workers with practical skills in waste management planning, materials recovery operations, waste segregation systems, information and education campaigns, enterprise development, and local policy formulation. Participants complete a combination of classroom learning, fieldwork and applied outputs, including the development of barangay solid waste management plans.

“Solid waste management should be recognized and supported like any other essential profession. Programs like this help strengthen technical capability at the barangay level while opening opportunities to skills recognition and employment.” said Ponce-Garcia.

Naga City was selected as the first rollout site under the expanded TFPP framework based on its existing and active solid waste management programs and high levels of community participation. The site will serve as a learning reference and a demonstration model for other LGUs across the country, considering similar training approaches.

“Naga City has long been committed to responsible waste management, but we know there is always more we can do. This program strengthens the people doing the work on ground, our barangay officials, and frontline workers.” said Robredo. “It supports a more consistent and effective approach to waste management across our communities.”

Clear roles for implementation

TESDA serves as the lead technical institution for the SWMO Level III Training Program, overseeing curriculum development, training delivery standards and requirements, accreditation and national program institutionalization.

Meanwhile, CASIFMAS is responsible for local training implementation in Naga City. The City Government of Naga provides the training site and supports participant coordination, monitoring, and community engagement. Coca-Cola Philippines supports the program through framework development and support for test training runs, working alongside government and academic partners.

“This is another proof of how tech-voc builds the nation, as the SWMO Level III program allows us to equip LGUs and barangays with skills that will make real environmental impact,” said Benitez. “TESDA is proud to help upgrade our solid waste management systems, which will ultimately benefit the Filipino people,” said Benitez.

The first batch of participants includes barangay officers and solid waste management personnel from across Naga City.

From pilot training to a national training program

The Trash Free Pilipinas Program traces its roots to consultations by Coca-Cola Philippines conducted in 2021 in Pavia, Iloilo, and Bacolod City, where barangay officials identified and highlighted persistent challenges in implementing RA 9003.

In response, Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA co-developed a grassroots training program model, first piloted in Angono, Rizal in 2022 under the National Solid Waste Management Training Program.

The Angono pilot ran for approximately 22 days and combined classroom instruction, fieldwork, and community consultations. Of the 36 initial enrollees, 29 completed the program and produced barangay solid waste management plans, information education campaign materials (IEC), enterprise concepts, and draft ordinances.

Since then, the program has expanded its trainer base, strengthened LGU partnerships, developed regional lead trainers, and established linkages to livelihood initiatives related to recyclable materials and small enterprise development, while also helping enable access to green financing for waste workers and microentrepreneurs. TESDA is now institutionalizing SWMO Level III as part of its national green skills and technical-vocational education offerings.

Shared commitment to stronger local systems

The Naga City rollout reflects what multi-sectoral collaboration can accomplish when the government, communities, academic institutions and the private sector work toward a shared goal of strengthening local solid waste management systems.

Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, and the City Government of Naga will continue collaborating with their partners to strengthen skills development, enhance implementation capabilities, and advance community-led waste management initiatives.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ initiatives on packaging recovery and waste management, visit https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

Learn more at www.coca-cola.com/ph/ and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

For many Filipinos, conversations about money are often difficult to have. Whether it’s discussing income, acknowledging financial hardships, seeking assistance, or establishing financial boundaries with family and friends, money remains a delicate subject shaped by both personal experiences and deeply ingrained cultural values.

In the latest episode of its Moneygurado docuseries, The Price of Hiya: Why Filipinos Fear Talking About Money, Metrobank examines how hiya—one of the country’s most deeply rooted cultural values—continues to shape the way Filipinos perceive, discuss, and navigate their financial lives.

With the bank’s advocacy to promote financial mindfulness, the episode encourages viewers to look beyond financial habits and examine the cultural beliefs that often influence them. By understanding these underlying behaviors, Filipinos can build healthier and more mindful financial habits.

Featuring historian Prof. Xiao Chua, the documentary traces the origins of hiya, explaining that it has long been associated with dignity, honor, and respect rather than simply shame. The episode places money decisions within a broader historical and social context, showing how values that once helped strengthen communities continue to shape everyday financial behavior today.

“Financial decisions are shaped not only by income but also by the values, experiences, and beliefs we carry with us,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba.

“Through Moneygurado, we hope to encourage more open conversations about money by helping Filipinos recognize the longstanding values and norms that shape their everyday financial choices. Greater awareness is often the first step toward making more intentional financial decisions.”

Understanding the cost of silence

Drawing from this historical perspective, Chua explains how hiya continues to influence the way many Filipinos approach money today.

Whether avoiding conversations about debt, hesitating to negotiate financial arrangements, or feeling uncomfortable discussing savings and long-term goals, many Filipinos have learned to treat money as a private subject. While these behaviors often stem from respect and consideration for others, they can also discourage people from seeking guidance, preparing for financial challenges, or building healthier habits when it comes to money.

By placing these experiences within a broader historical context, The Price of Hiya encourages viewers to rethink the idea that financial conversations should be uncomfortable. Instead, it reframes these discussions as opportunities to build greater confidence, strengthen family relationships, and make more purposeful financial choices.

Ultimately, the episode reminds viewers that meaningful financial progress begins by breaking the silence around money. More open conversations at home, in schools, workplaces, and communities can help normalize discussions about finances and empower more Filipinos to make informed decisions for their future.

Continuing the conversation on financial mindfulness

Launched earlier this year, Moneygurado brings practical money guidance closer to Filipinos by grounding financial concepts in real-life stories, cultural realities, and everyday experiences. Its docuseries explores how familiar Filipino values like resilience, utang na loob, hiya, and delayed gratification influence everyday money management practices, helping viewers better understand themselves before encouraging meaningful action.

Following earlier episodes that explored resilience and responsible borrowing, The Price of Hiya expands the discussion by looking at how cultural beliefs shape financial behavior and why fostering more open conversations about money can empower Filipinos to develop healthier financial habits.

To watch the full Moneygurado series and learn more, visit https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/moneygurado.

 

 

 

 

Automatic, no-cost setup gives small businesses a place in AI shopping results, even as Filipino firms adopt AI far more slowly than they get online.

• Every HitPay Online Store in the Philippines are now set up to be found by AI shopping assistants, at no extra cost.
• HitPay’s focus today is discovery; completing a purchase inside an assistant is still emerging industry-wide.

HitPay, a payments platform serving small and medium-sized businesses across Southeast Asia, has announced that all HitPay Online Stores in the Philippines are now automatically discoverable through AI shopping assistants. This feature is enabled by default at no extra cost, requiring no additional setup, technical support, or developer involvement. It is available to all active HitPay online stores in the country, with merchants only paying the platform’s standard transaction fees.

For many small businesses in the Philippines, social media has long been the primary way to attract and engage customers. Today, Six in ten Filipinos rely on social platforms as their main source for researching brands, surpassing traditional search engines. While social media continues to play a vital role, AI-powered shopping assistants are emerging as a complementary channel for product discovery.

Shoppers are increasingly asking AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity what to buy rather than searching themselves. About 900 million people now use ChatGPT every week, and AI is already part of how this region shops. Data from Bain shows 39% of Asia-Pacific consumers say they already use AI when shopping online, and another 40% intend to.

McKinsey projects this AI-led commerce could account for US$3–5 trillion in retail spending worldwide by 2030. The businesses that appear in those answers are the ones an assistant can read, and for most small merchants, that has not been true until now.

In the Philippines, only about 14.9% of local firms use AI tools, even though 90% own computers and 81% have an internet connection. The appetite is clearly there: 77% of Filipino MSMEs say they want to adopt digital tools, while only 16% actually do. In a country where micro and small businesses make up majority of enterprises, that gap increasingly decides who gets found when a customer asks an assistant for a recommendation.

Every HitPay Online Store now carries a clear signboard AI assistants can read. Each store publishes a machine-readable version of its catalogue, product names, prices and stock levels, that refreshes through the day, so an assistant draws on current information rather than an outdated page. Each store also carries a signal that identifies it to AI shopping agents as open for business. Together, they give a small seller a genuine chance of surfacing when a shopper asks an assistant for a recommendation.

Completing a purchase inside an AI assistant is still settling as an industry standard, and several large platforms have scaled back in-app checkout while the underlying rails develop. HitPay’s current focus is discovery, making sure smaller sellers are visible at the point where shopping behaviour is changing, so they move ahead of broad adoption rather than chase it.

“Filipino entrepreneurs are among the most resourceful sellers anywhere. They have built real businesses on GCash, on QR, inside their phones, often without a website at all. What held them back from AI was never ambition, and it was never connectivity, it was the technical setup the tools quietly assume. We have removed that. As more customers ask an assistant what to buy, a small seller in Manila or Cebu should have the same chance of showing up as any large brand, from the moment they open. That is where commerce is heading, and we want Filipino merchants there first,” said Aditya Haripurkar, Co-Founder and CEO of HitPay.

This feature is integrated into HitPay Online Store, the company’s ecommerce website builder and online checkout solution. It enables merchants to accept payments through GCash, Maya, QR Ph, and over 50 other payment methods available across Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

Eastern Communications emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure in driving regional development during the 10th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibit (CLICKCONEX) 2026.

Jointly organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), the Naga City Government, and the ICT Council of Bicol, the event convened representatives from government, business, and the technology sector to exchange insights on advancing digital transformation and strengthening regional competitiveness.

The event featured a distinguished roster of keynote speakers, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.

As one of the conference’s keynote speakers, Eastern’s Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, Edsel Paglinawan. Paglinawan discussed how telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from a basic utility into a strategic enabler of innovation, economic growth, and regional digital transformation.

In his presentation, “Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies,” Paglinawan said a nation’s progress has traditionally been measured through physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports that connect people and commerce. Today, he said, digital infrastructure has become equally critical, enabling the country to connect with the global economy and supporting innovation, productivity, and inclusive regional development.

“Whether it is building international connectivity, strengthening network resiliency, supporting hyperscaler investments, or enabling digital ecosystems, these require collaboration across the industry,” Paglinawan mentions.

As technology continues to evolve, telecommunications companies are the frontliners witnessing how digital infrastructure has transformed from a utility into a growth engine, enabling economic resilience and regional competitiveness. More than connecting people and businesses, telecommunications now empower innovation ecosystems, expand access to digital services, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. For Eastern Communications, the challenge is no longer proving the value of digital infrastructure but ensuring that its benefits are accessible to every Filipino.

“At Eastern Communications, we remain committed to being partners in that journey. Because beyond connectivity, our mission is to help build stronger regions, more competitive businesses, and a more digitally empowered Philippines,” said Paglinawan.

Eastern Communications remains committed to strengthening its digital infrastructure and ICT solutions, empowering businesses and communities to advance their digital transformation efforts across the country.

To discover how Eastern Communications supports organizations in building future-ready digital infrastructure, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

 

 

 

Send money anytime without paying extra charges. Whether you’re making everyday transfers through InstaPay or sending larger amounts via PESONet, you can now enjoy zero transfer fees on all eligible transactions made through the Metrobank App.

Find out more here: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/articles/zero-instapay-pesonet-fees-via-metrobank-app

If you need assistance or have any questions, send us a private message and our Community Managers will be happy to help. For account-specific concerns, you may contact the Metrobank Contact Center at (02) 88-700-700 (domestic toll-free: 1-800-1888-5775). For general inquiries, email [email protected].

Metrobank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph/).

Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor.

 

The Conrado Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (Alcantara Foundation) was named a Finalist in the Outstanding CSR Project for Arts and Culture category at the 2026 CSR Guild Awards, held on June 30, 2026, at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City. The recognition honors the Foundation’s corporate social responsibility initiative in partnership with Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev).

The award highlights the collaborative efforts of Alcantara Foundation and Alsons Dev to advance Davao City’s creative sector. Among the project’s key achievements is the 2025 Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit, which brought together more than 300 artists, cultural practitioners, and representatives from government, academia, and the private sector. The summit served as a platform to identify the industry’s priorities, develop collaborative strategies, and foster a more supportive environment for the growth of the local creative community.

The CSR Guild Awards, a recognition program of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), honors corporate social responsibility initiatives and collaborations of its member organizations across the country that drive meaningful and sustainable social impact.

“This recognition affirms something we have long believed—that culture is not peripheral to development; it is central to it,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev. “We remain committed to creating opportunities for partnerships across sectors because lasting progress is built when we nurture communities that are both livable and culturally vibrant.”

The Alcantara Foundation serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the Alcantara Group, with Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) among its member companies. Through the Foundation, Alsons Dev carries out its CSR initiatives based on the belief that sustainable community development goes beyond building physical spaces. It also involves promoting and preserving culture, the arts, and heritage to strengthen local identity, encourage greater cultural appreciation, and inspire pride within communities.

 

 

 

 

Building on a record-breaking inaugural edition — 638 proposals from 55 countries — the 2026 campaign’s new Top 20 Mentorship Program pairs finalists with industry experts to turn innovative concepts into practical, market-ready solutions, and invites even more innovators worldwide to apply. 

Following the global unveiling of the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 campaign at a press conference in Taiwan on May 27, the initiative has officially opened its call for proposals from innovators, startups, researchers, academic institutions, and organizations around the world, including those from Philippines. Participants are encouraged to harness Taiwan’s technologies, products, and business models to create scalable solutions that promote better health and wellness. Adding to this year’s program is the new Top 20 Mentorship Program, which gives every finalist one-on-one guidance from industry experts, offering innovators an even greater opportunity to refine and advance their ideas.

Led by the International Trade Administration (TITA) under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the campaign carries the theme “Designing Healthier Futures Together.” It highlights Taiwan’s expertise in smart healthcare, medical devices, sports and fitness technology, healthy ageing, and wellness, while encouraging participants to apply these strengths to develop impactful solutions for communities, workplaces, cities, and institutions across the globe.

After a highly successful inaugural edition that far exceeded its target of 100 proposals by receiving 638 submissions from 55 countries, the 2026 campaign introduces a new Top 20 Mentorship Program to help finalists refine business models, validate market opportunities, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen international partnerships.

The impact of last year’s campaign is already evident. In Ukraine, the winning team successfully deployed Taiwanese medical equipment in healthcare facilities and reinvested its entire prize award to expand equipment procurement and hospital donations. Switzerland’s Perovskia partnered with Everlight Chemical, resulting in research published in Nature, with pilot production expected in 2026. In the United States, Ideas Lab collaborated with the Taiwan Institute of Sports Science (TISS) to deploy AI-powered motion analysis technology, broadening access to professional-grade sports training.

How to Submit a Proposal

Eligible participants can submit their proposals through the official Go Healthy with Taiwan website. Proposals must be submitted in English and should outline the proposed solution, its expected impact, and how it integrates Taiwanese products, technologies, services, or business models. Submissions will be evaluated based on predefined judging criteria.

Submission Details & Deadlines

• Applications:https://bit.ly/GoHealthywithTaiwan2026PH
• Submission Deadline:August 1, 2026 (23:59 GMT+8)
• Note:Applications cannot be modified after submission.

The top three winning proposals will each receive US$30,000, while the Top 20 finalists will receive personalized mentorship from industry experts. The six finalists will also be invited on a sponsored visit to Taiwan to engage with leading Taiwanese enterprises, experience the country’s health innovation ecosystem firsthand, and compete in the final round.

The global health sector is being transformed by AI, preventive care, and longevity-focused technologies, creating new opportunities across healthcare, hospitality, insurance, workplace wellness, and sports science. With proven strengths in smart healthcare, digital health, and systems integration, Taiwan offers technologies that can be readily adapted across global markets. As India continues to emerge as a hub for digital health and wellness entrepreneurship, the campaign provides a platform to scale promising ideas through collaboration with Taiwan.

To learn more about the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 campaign, visit the official website at https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/.

Joining the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 global contest is simple. Interested participants only need to submit their innovative proposal through this e-Form: https://bit.ly/GoHealthywithTaiwan2026PH. Once completed, the submission will