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Nestled in the highlands, SM City Baguio showcases how natural abundance can be harnessed sustainably through its rainwater treatment facility.

SM City Baguio is demonstrating how innovation and sustainability can coexist as communities throughout the Philippines continue to struggle with water security. The mall helps ensure the water supply for its operations tomorrow by treating rainwater through its rainwater treatment system.

Rainfall is common in Baguio City, but water supplies are few. Some communities receive water from the Baguio Water District only twice a week, which they use to replenish their water tanks. Residents rely on delivery from private water suppliers when this runs out.

Through advanced filtration and treatment systems, SM City Baguio converts collected rainwater into potable-grade water, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in commercial developments

SM City Baguio’s pioneering system captures, treats, and stores rainwater to potable standards, producing up to 150 cubic meters of safe drinking water per day, with the capacity to double production to 300 cubic meters daily.

The innovative system supports mall operations and contributes to SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow campaign, demonstrating responsible and efficient water use.

This initiative reduces reliance on local water utilities while ensuring the mall can continue serving millions of visitors responsibly. More importantly, it demonstrates how rainwater, when managed smartly, can be harnessed to address urban water scarcity.

“We’ve always valued innovation and creativity in the malls – we take it a step further now to where it truly matters. SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility shows how the right innovation can secure tomorrow’s water,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Championing Water for Tomorrow

SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow campaign advocates efficiency, innovation, resilience, and awareness in water resilience, and promotes the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement. Beyond Baguio, SM Prime’s water initiatives span the installation of advanced treatment facilities, recycling systems, and community engagement programs.

From 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters in 2024, SM Prime reported a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume.

The Water for Tomorrow campaign from the SM Green Movement keeps showing how commonplace creativity can guarantee a sustainable future for communities, businesses, and the environment.

COMELEC Commissioner Rey E. Bulay and COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, together with SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio and Assistant Vice President Royston Cabunag, formally ink the renewed partnership for Voter Registration and Mall Voting for the upcoming 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In a Memorandum of Agreement signed on December 2 at the COMELEC Office in Intramuros, Manila, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and SM Supermalls formally extended their collaboration for the Voter Registration Program and Mall Voting implementation for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The renewal is another significant step in both organizations’ joint efforts to improve voter services for Filipinos across the country in terms of accessibility, safety, and convenience.

In his message, SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations, Mr. Junias Eusebio, highlighted the remarkable growth of the partnership over the years—from six participating malls during the 2023 BSKE, to 20 malls successfully joining the Mall Voting Program during the 2025 National and Local Elections. He also emphasized that, as of now, 23 SM malls are already scheduled to serve as voter registration sites—the most nationwide—with more locations to be added through May 2026. During the special registration in August 2025, 47 sites across the country opened their doors to voters, and over 2.8 million Filipinos have already registered in just the last 10 days.

Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio spotlights how the Mall Voting Program is expanding to make voting more accessible for Filipinos nationwide.

“These numbers reflect not just steady expansion, but the public’s overwhelming preference for organized, secure, and accessible venues where they can register and exercise their right to vote,” he said. “This partnership proves that when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, we can modernize the voting experience and strengthen our democratic participation.”

SM Supermalls executives, led by VP Junias Eusebio, meet with COMELEC Chairman Mr. George Garcia to discuss expanded voter registration activities across SM Supermalls nationwide during the BSKE Mall Voting MOA Signing Ceremony at the COMELEC Office in Intramuros.

COMELEC officials expressed appreciation for SM Supermalls’ continued support, noting how mall-based voter services significantly benefit senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant voters, and first-time youth voters by offering an environment that is comfortable, well-lit, and highly accessible. The partnership comes at an opportune time where strong public participation early in the electoral cycle was evident through the 2.8 million Filipinos that have completed registration in the last 10 days alone.

COMELEC officials and SM Supermalls executives celebrate another milestone in modernizing and enhancing voter accessibility, with officials expressing their appreciation for SM Supermalls’ continued support.

Through this renewed agreement, selected SM malls across the country will continue to serve as venues for voter registration and mall voting, contributing to higher voter turnout and better overall election experience for communities.

Close-up of the MOA Signing. COMELEC and SM Supermalls officials formally sign the renewed partnership for Voter Registration and Mall Voting for the 2026 Barangay & SK Elections, marking another step in making voting more accessible nationwide.

COMELEC Chairman Mr. George Garcia, commissioners, important agency officials, and executives from SM Supermalls, represented by Vice President for Mall Operations Mr. Junias Eusebio, attended the ceremony.

Representatives from COMELEC and SM Supermalls pose for a ceremonial photo after the signing.

The collaboration highlights a common goal: enabling all Filipinos to fully engage in the nation’s democratic processes and bringing vital voter services closer to the general people.

The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system, supporting thousands of residents in flood-prone areas and demonstrating how business innovation protects communities.

Proactive flood protection has become essential to creating resilient communities as climate change causes heavier rainfall and more frequent floods.

Today, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has expanded its network of climate-resilient infrastructure across the country with SM City La Union, its 30th mall with a rainwater harvesting facility. Large amounts of stormwater are collected and stored in catchment facilities for SM Supermalls, avoiding runoff that may otherwise overwhelm drainage networks.

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters.

A design for tomorrow. SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations.

Every drop helps make everyone’s future safer and more sustainable. Freshwater consumption is greatly reduced by treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source, as well as by mapping every possibility to accomplish Water for Tomorrow. From 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters in 2024, SM Prime’s recycled water volume increased by 26.23%.

Just as crucial as the physical infrastructure is social resilience. SM Cares empowers community action by increasing knowledge of water conservation and implementing sustainable practices in daily life.

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

One of the world’s largest shopping malls, the SM Mall of Asia remains a sustainable marvel thanks to its water-saving solutions.

Rapid development and climate change put strain on the supply of water, which is a finite resource in many Philippine cities. In order to create a future that is water-resilient, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the biggest integrated real estate developers in Southeast Asia, places a high priority on water efficiency as a fundamental operational strategy.

As a result, the portfolio-wide water intensity is 0.44 m³/m²/year, already exceeding some of the top global criteria for water efficiency.

Every opportunity to gather and preserve water is investigated by SM Supermalls. Water-saving devices and basic low-flow fixtures stop wasteful use on a large scale. Recycling processed water and air conditioning condensate reduces reliance on fresh water, and creative methods that collect some floodwater for non-potable use promote sustainable water management.

Managing water through innovation. SM City Laoag achieves everyday water responsible practices by recycling non-potable water for landscaping and garden irrigation, cleaning, air conditioning systems, and toilet-flushing.

This efficiency means that for every square meter of mall space, SM Supermalls’ water use translates into millions of liters saved annually.

Beyond equipment and systems upgrades, culturally integrating sustainability values is part of the solution. Water education campaigns for tenant-partners, employees, and mallgoers promote the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement.

SM Supermalls was ahead of the Clean Water Act in 2004. SM City North Edsa lessens its dependence on freshwater sources for non-potable uses, optimizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The mall’s Sky Garden’s 400-meter green roof development is a green space in the dense urban jungle.

Creating a sustainable mall experience like no other, SM Supermalls believes that investing in efficient and scalable water management systems also means bringing everyone together to ensure water for tomorrow.

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Water efficiency is nationwide for SM Supermalls. SM Seaside Cebu, the fourth-largest mall in the Philippines, uses recycled water for toilets, cleaning, and landscaping needs.

Every drop counts, and SM Cares’ expansive and distinctive community platform spreads awareness of protecting the planet’s precious resources, whether at shopping centers or on social media. The younger, tech-savvy millennial and Gen Z workforce finds the interactive and visually stimulating content particularly intriguing.

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” said Tan.

SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and meaningful partnerships with industry employers.

December 10, 2025. By commemorating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) at a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao, SM Supermalls, in close collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), marks the agency’s 92nd founding anniversary.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao

During the anniversary employment fair, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, the 30,000th HOTS, was immediately hired by McDonald’s as a part of the service crew. “Hindi po ako makapaniwala…” she said, overwhelmed by the news. “Nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM.” She also urged other job seekers, saying, “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. I didn’t get hired right away.” “Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her experience exemplifies the core of the SM–DOLE collaboration: transforming a straightforward choice to show up into life-changing chances.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

SM hosts job fairs, and together with DOLE and other government agencies, officially opens the event to employ more Filipinos

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. As we celebrate DOLE’s 92 years of service, we at SM reaffirm our commitment to this partnership — to continue providing platforms that empower, connect, and uplift the Filipino workforce. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.”

On-the-spot hiring – happy jobseekers walk away with job offers in hand, proving that SM Job Fairs are more than events — they’re gateways to livelihood.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this message, underscoring DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the country’s workforce. “For many years, DOLE has been at the heart of nation-building — helping Filipinos find sustainable and meaningful work. And we at SM Supermalls are truly proud to be your partner in this mission.” He further added: “Thank you, DOLE, for your leadership and partnership in empowering the Filipino workforce. Together, we will continue to open doors that lead to growth, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.”

Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair.

According to Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and MSMEs at SM Supermalls, the SM–DOLE relationship has transformed malls into community places that transform lives by connecting businesses and talents through accessible, community-driven programs. In support of DOLE’s longstanding role in forming the country’s workforce, he reaffirmed SM’s unwavering commitment to making every job fair a doorway to a better life.

At SM Job Fairs, you don’t just apply — you get interviews, career guidance, and access to partner agencies all in one go. See you at the next one!

In order to facilitate hiring, empower job seekers, and support Filipino families, SM and DOLE collaborate to extend job fair activities in strategic areas. The alliance promotes equitable economic growth and enriches local communities by converting malls into opportunity centers where candidates may meet businesses, get advice, and frequently land jobs in a single day.

Designed as an evening of insightful discussion and curated wine tasting, Legacy Uncorked brought together an intimate circle of the country’s most respected business leaders, wealth advisors, and high-net-worth families in a sophisticated setting at the Grand Hyatt.
In photo: (Left-right) Rozanne Magararu, Pru Life UK Chief Customer & Marketing Officer; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer; Michael Ferrer, ATRAM Group Chief Executive Officer; Rex Mendoza, Rampver Financials Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Princess Charm Balingit, Pru Life UK Chief Investment Officer; and Julien Fey, Pru Life UK Chief Strategy Officer

A growing number of Filipino families are facing a quiet financial risk as family-owned businesses and property values rise in the country: delays in wealth transfers and estate settlement problems that may result in frozen assets, court challenges, or forced liquidation.

During Pru Life UK’s special Legacy Uncorked event at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Rex Mendoza, Chairman and CEO of Rampver Financials, stated that many families earn money but neglect to preserve it for future generations. Estate planning is a commitment to continuity and a duty to one’s heirs, not just a financial undertaking.

To address this widening gap, Pru Life UK organised Legacy Uncorked as a platform for intergenerational wealth preservation and responsible succession planning. Headlined by Mendoza, one of the country’s leading voices in financial stewardship and legacy building, the event gathered high-net-worth families, business owners, and wealth advisors to discuss estate preparedness strategies.

Mendoza delivered a compelling message on why Filipino families must prepare not just for wealth accumulation but also for wealth transfer and continuity. He mentioned that legacy is not just what one leaves behind; it’s how one prepares others to carry it forward.

Citing recent global and economic disruptions, he emphasised that unpredictability has become a permanent part of financial strategy. He added that uncertainty is now a constant—with health crises, market disruptions, and policy changes. Families who do not build emergency liquidity and succession strategies expose their heirs to unnecessary financial risk.

He also stressed that the failure of legacy is often rooted not in financial loss but in lack of generational preparation. He noted that heirs do not fail because they lack inheritance; they fail because they lack guidance. Wealth must be transferred with wisdom, purpose, and financial literacy. Mendoza also highlighted the importance of disciplined investment strategies for generational wealth, explaining that asset diversification, risk management, and sustainability must guide long-term decisions.

Legacy Planning

Pru Life UK President and CEO Sanjay Chakrabarty reinforced the importance of legacy planning in the Philippine context, where estate settlement remains a major barrier to preserving family wealth.

He said that many families are forced to sell land, businesses, or long-held assets simply to settle estate obligations. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is for every family that wants continuity, stability, and dignity in how their assets are passed on.

At the event, Pru Life UK introduced PRUWealth 10, its flagship single-pay life insurance solution designed to support estate planning. The product enables clients to generate estate liquidity, protect assets from forced sale, and ensure seamless inheritance transfer.

PRUWealth 10 provides immediate liquidity at the moment families need it most. It prevents the loss of family legacy due to emergency property sales or loan dependency. We continue to see growing interest among discerning families and business leaders who recognise the value of structured protection.

Chakrabarty added that structured wealth transition is now a growing financial priority in the country. He said that these discussions about legacy are no longer taboo. Today’s leaders want to protect both their life’s work and their family relationships. Pru Life UK is here to support that mission with structured, future-ready financial strategies.

Chie Gatchalian, co-founder of The Sip Studio, also developed a wine appreciation journey for heritage Uncorked, signifying how legacies are purposefully created and carefully preserved—reiterating the event’s central theme: heritage must be safeguarded, not left to chance.

The event was a component of Pru Life UK’s continued dedication to estate planning advocacy and financial education in the Philippines, providing families with professional advice, solutions, and assistance to protect multigenerational wealth.

Cebuana Lhuillier has officially named Zacarias Mansing Jr., a passionate literacy and disability inclusion advocate, as the 2025 Happiest Pinoy. His remarkable journey of transforming personal adversity into a nationwide mission for children’s literacy resonated deeply across the country. Selected from more than 500,000 entries, his win marks one of the most extraordinary achievements in the history of Cebuana Lhuillier’s pioneering advocacy.

The awarding ceremony, held last December 2 at Dusit Thani Manila, highlighted the depth and diversity of this year’s competition. Zacarias first emerged as one of the ten national category winners before advancing to the final round, where he stood alongside inspiring finalists representing youth and senior citizens, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, OFWs, members of the workforce, the LGBTQ+ community, creatives, indigenous peoples, and Cebuana Lhuillier clients.

A distinguished panel of judges—comprising public servants, media professionals, social innovators, athletes, and former Happiest Pinoy awardees—evaluated the finalists through a comprehensive process rooted in four criteria: Resilience; Optimism and Genuine Happiness; Champion of Hope and Impact; and an X-Factor reflecting authenticity.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., emphasized the significance of Zacarias’s win: “Zacarias reminds us that true strength is not the absence of hardship but the courage to lift others as we rise. His life—rooted in faith, grit, and service—captures exactly what the Happiest Pinoy seeks to celebrate: joy that transforms communities and inspires lasting change.”

Zacarias’s story is a testament to that strength. After an accident abroad in 2012 left him paralyzed, he returned home determined to turn his challenges into purpose. Guided by his DRISO values—Determination, Resilience, Inspiration, Service, and Optimism—he launched the Books for Kids Project in 2017. From his wheelchair, he has traveled to more than 300 remote public schools and reached over 50,000 students, championing literacy, disability inclusion, and hope across Negros Oriental. “Being a Happiest Pinoy is about having a spirit that trusts God in all circumstances, and hands that are always ready to reach out to those in need,” he shared.

Zacarias’s triumph is more than a personal victory—it is a powerful reminder that purpose can emerge from pain, and that one person’s resolve can ignite lasting change. His work continues to inspire communities, uplift young learners, and strengthen the movement that Cebuana Lhuillier began: a celebration of joy that endures, heals, and transforms.

Mober Vice President for Brand Marketing and Communications poses for a photo upon receiving the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia award at the ACES Awards 2025 gala night held in Bali, Indonesia

Mober, the Philippines’ top green logistics provider, has been honored at the 2025 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards, earning recognition in the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia category for its leadership in driving sustainable transformation within the country’s commercial logistics sector.

Dubbed Asia’s premier award for leadership and sustainability, the ACES Awards recognized Mober among Asia’s outstanding companies championing ESG initiatives. Mober was officially honored during the Gala Dinner and Summit on November 27, 2025 in Bali, Indonesia, for its people-driven innovation, which is directly responsible for a string of major business milestones this year. These include the launch of the Philippines’ largest commercial EV charging hub, the introduction of the country’s first fully electric tractor head, and the company’s expansion of operations to Thailand, solidifying Mober’s leadership in sustainable logistics across Asia.

Mober Founder and CEO Dennis Ng emphasizes the award’s significance in reinforcing their commitment to investing in human capital towards operational scalability and sustainable growth.

“At Mober, our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce is not just a moral imperative, but a competitive advantage that defines our market leadership. We are not just electrifying a fleet,we are humanizing the entire logistics sector and setting the new standard for sustainable transition across the region.”

Mober executives and its team members

Mober currently employs over 400 employees, including more than 200 EV drivers called Green Delivery Specialists (GDS). The Green Warriors Program is central to this strategy, equipping GDS and other employees to become sustainability ambassadors. This focus ensures Mober can maintain operational excellence as it scales its footprint. Meanwhile, the #MoveHer campaign continues to push for safer, more inclusive opportunities for women in logistics, advancing gender diversity alongside environmental responsibility.

“We are proud to be one of the first companies to prioritize carving new pathways for women to get into the logistics industry, which is traditionally male-dominated. Ensuring safe, inclusive workplaces strengthens the operational backbone of EV logistics and builds a sustainable industry for all,” said Miguel Bermundo, Vice President for People and Sustainability of Mober.

Mober is dedicated to creating a greener, more inclusive, and human-centered movement for the future of logistics in the area as it expands its electric fleet and regional presence.

To discover more about how Mober is leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, you may visit https://www.moberdelivery.com.

For further information, visit: https://www.mober.ph 

Stigma: Batang Poz 2 builds on the success of its first novel and iWant adaptation, delivering a gripping look into the lives of poz teens in ultra-conservative Philippines

Best-selling novelist and Palanca Award winner Segundo Matias Jr. has published Stigma: Batang Poz 2, the much awaited follow-up to his ground-breaking 2018 book Mga Batang Poz. The discussion concerning HIV awareness and the stigma that young Filipinos living with the infection still experience is deepened by his most recent release.

Melody, 15, joins the “Pete’s Corner” group chat in Stigma: Batang Poz 2, which serves as a virtual haven for young people with HIV like her. She must deal with the stigma as her pregnancy becomes more apparent while drawing support from the experiences of other young people who identify as Poz, including the well-known characters from the first novel. In the middle of the HIV-AIDS crisis in the Philippines, the follow-up examines survival, connection, solidarity, and the pursuit of hope.

Stigma: Batang Poz 2 left a strong impression on me because it shows the real struggles young Filipinos with HIV continue to face. Melody’s story, along with the voices in “Pete’s Corner,” reminds me how powerful safe spaces and shared experiences can be. The book highlights not just the stigma surrounding HIV, but also the resilience, hope, and support system that help these teens push forward. It’s a meaningful reminder that understanding and compassion can change someone’s life.

Matias adds, “Melody, the new character, is especially important to me. If her story reaches video, there is so much within her journey that viewers can learn from. Through Melody’s experiences, the novel discusses both teenage pregnancy and living with HIV.”

A sequel that challenges as it confronts

As the first young adult novel about HIV-AIDS in the Philippines, Stigma: Batang Poz 2 has been hailed as a landmark contribution to both literature and public health, one that challenges prejudice and calls for compassion in the age of social media and digital connection. The first Batang Poz novel received critical acclaim for its courageous and truthful portrayal of living with HIV, later inspiring a powerful 2019 iWant miniseries starring Paolo Gumabao, Mark Neumann, and Awra Briguela. The sequel seeks not only to shed light on the lived experiences of People Living with HIV-AIDS (PLHIV) but also to remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and solidarity in combating discrimination.

Stigma: Batang Poz 2 also delivers engaging and practical information on sexual health and empowerment. “The discussions in this book are deeper and more technical,”  shares Matias.                                                 

Early praise for Stigma: Batang Poz 2 

The novel has garnered advanced praise from notable critics, writers, and advocates in the Philippines.

Internationally acclaimed essayist and winner of the Curt Johnson Prose Award for Nonfiction, Wifredo Pascual commends Matias’ masterful craftmanship, noting his skill in crafting “solid and meaningful” scenes. “His sharp eye in choosing the most telling detail is critical in bringing this to light. It’s urgent. And it’s a question worth asking ourselves as readers. How far are we willing to go to get to the source of our discomfort and denial?”

Multi-awarded poet, scholar, and teacher Charlie Samuya-Veric, celebrates Matias’ commitment to making “courageous writing contagious.” He explains, “With Stigma: Batang Poz 2, Segundo Matias, Jr. departs completely from the fantastical concerns of Moymoy Lulumboy and takes his readers close to what they would otherwise deny: their deepest fears and most unacknowledged prejudices. Matias’s courage is enabling. He provides his audience with a different experience and creates a new horizon for YA writers who may not yet have the will, or wherewithal, to explode social taboos.”

Award-winning Gagambeks author Mark Angeles also commends the book for expanding discussions on topics that are frequently considered taboo and controversial. “Binuksan ng Mga Batang Poz ang makulay na mundo ng mga alter—isang produkto ng immersion ng awtor na internet subculture na ito.”

“Health hubs have told me that more people are getting tested because they read Mga Batang Poz,” says Matias. “That alone makes me happy. For a writer like me, being able to convey a meaningful message through one’s work is already a victory.” Matias hopes the sequel will enable readers, especially young adults, to face the world’s challenges with courage and clarity.

Stigma: Batang Poz by Segundo Matias, Jr. will soon be accessible.

Turning digital innovation into real-world impact for startups

Participants and speakers of PLDT Enterprise’s Innovation Spotlight: Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups gather for a photo after an insightful session on how collaboration and innovation can empower the startup ecosystem.

 In line with its mission to enable enterprises of all sizes through meaningful technology, PLDT Enterprise led the next leg of the Innovation Spotlight, in partnership with the US Embassy, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, YSEALI AMPLIFY 9.0, Women’s Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP), Fibers Collective and Pina Beauty PH. The themed “Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups” gathered innovators, founders, and advocates to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital security can work together to empower startups and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The Innovation Spotlight series was designed to ignite collaboration among industries, innovators, and changemakers — each event highlighting practical, scalable solutions for growth and human-centered ways to use technology for progress. By fostering dialogue and discovery, the series helps leaders transform ideas into action and potential into real impact on communities and people.

This latest session focused on one of today’s most urgent and promising intersections: the role of AI and cybersecurity in driving startup success. The event brought together thought leaders including WASP Founder Captain Caroline Nacional and Joie Cruz, CEO of Limitless Lab, who shared insights on inclusive innovation and responsible technology adoption.

Empowering Startups Through Innovation and Security

Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, underscored the dual importance of innovation and protection in the digital era.

“Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, it’s real, and it’s growing,” Ruiz said. “Startups are agile and fast-moving, but that agility must be matched with awareness and readiness. Security is not a luxury—it’s a foundation.”

Mickey Ruiz, Head of Innovations and Product Development at PLDT Enterprise, highlights the critical role of cybersecurity and collaboration in enabling secure innovation for startups.

Ruiz also highlighted how PLDT Enterprise is helping startups leverage AI securely and ethically, while building a culture of collaboration across industries and organizations to innovate and grow together.

“Cybersecurity isn’t a solo mission. It’s a team sport. And when startups collaborate with the right partners, they gain not just tools—but trust, knowledge, and resilience to innovate boldly in the digital world,” he added.

The event also showcased PLDT Enterprise’s latest technology solutions that are helping businesses strengthen their operations, including SmartSafe, Cybersecurity Infrastructure, and AI-driven tools that enable seamless, secure, and scalable growth

Driving Collaboration and Digital Resilience

Beyond technology, the event emphasized the power of collaboration — bringing together startups, advocates, and organizations that share the goal of turning ideas into reality.

PLDT Enterprise reinforced its commitment to co-innovate with partners who bring specialized expertise to help startups integrate technology safely and meaningfully into their growth journey.

The discussions also tackled emerging industry trends such as AI-driven fraud prevention, cloud-based cybersecurity frameworks, and digital ethics, underscoring how businesses can embrace innovation without compromising trust.

A Commitment to a Safer and Smarter Digital Future

As part of its brand promise, PLDT Enterprise reaffirmed its mission to support businesses — from startups to large-scale enterprises — in embracing innovation while ensuring operational security and continuity.

Ruiz concluded: “Innovation is exciting. AI is powerful. And startups are the lifeblood of our digital future. But without security, innovation is fragile. Our goal at PLDT Enterprise is to help businesses not only build, but build securely, ethically, and boldly.”

Learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s innovations, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ai-and-cybersecurity-pr