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.

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