Eastern Communications, in partnership with Unconnected.org and the Department of Education (DepEd), officially launched “Project Maaasahan” with the turnover of connectivity tools to its first beneficiary, Panicuason Elementary School, in Naga City.

Eastern Communications continues to assist the Philippine government’s digital-first plan by implementing programs that provide access to high-quality education, foster digital literacy, and improve connection. Eastern Communications is going above and above in bolstering the nation’s digital foundations, from assisting with the May 2025 election count to providing internet access to isolated schools and growing its regional presence.

“As a trusted technology partner, Eastern Communications is proud to stand alongside the government and like-minded private organizations in advancing digital transformation across the country,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications. “Through our efforts in connectivity, digital education, and regional expansion, we remain focused on enabling progress and inclusive growth for Filipinos everywhere.”

With a strong commitment to nation-building, Eastern Communications reinforces its mission of making technology more accessible for every Filipino by empowering institutions, communities, and individuals in today’s increasingly digital society.

Reliable connection for 2025 elections and remote classrooms

Eastern Communications played a vital role in supporting the May 2025 electoral process by providing stable and secure connectivity during the official vote count held at The Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila. The telco provider’s reliable services enabled seamless real-time reporting and operations throughout the high-stakes national event.

“[Eastern’s] provision of reliable and high-quality connectivity services played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted transmission of data and communications throughout the entire electoral process,” said Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel, expressed his gratitude in a formal letter for Eastern Communications’ support during the official vote count.

“In moments when precision, efficiency, and transparency were paramount, [Eastern’s] commitment to service excellence significantly contributed to the integrity and success of this important national event,” Lina added.

Eastern Communications also strengthened its advocacy for inclusive digital access through its reaffirmed partnership with global non-profit Unconnected.org and the Department of Education (DepEd) to connect remote and underserved schools across the country. The initiative aims to bring internet connectivity to learners and educators in far-flung areas, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in an evolving digital world.

[From L to R:] Naga City Government Education, Sports, Scholarship Office (ESSO) Department Head Mr. Ernani B. Suron, Eastern Communications Chief Marketing & Experience Officer Jed Estanislao, Panicuason Elementary School Principal Winnife Urot and OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of SDO Naga City Dr. Michael A. Del Rosario.

Additional schools slated for turnover in August are Paopao High School in General Santos, Capisan Elementary School in Zamboanga, Patrocino A. Lachica Integrated School in Aklan, and Alambre Elementary School in Davao. These schools represent a significant step in the initial phase of the program, with three more schools to follow in the coming months.

Growing presence in Mindanao, educating local IT talent

Eastern Communications is accelerating its regional expansion, with a particular focus on Mindanao. The telco provider is set to officially launch its services in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on July 22, 2025, followed by General Santos City in the third quarter. These launches are part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen its presence in emerging business centers and help stimulate local economies through improved digital infrastructure.

To provide a secure and robust infrastructure, Eastern expands its reach through an ultra high capacity backbone transmission Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Network. This cutting-edge technology delivers Terabits per second (TBPS) bandwidth, ensuring highly reliable and scalable connectivity across the country. Its capacity can also be replicated or expanded based on the demand, with spare fibers connecting various islands.

Alongside its connectivity rollouts, Eastern Communications continues to drive awareness and skills-building through its educational campaigns. Programs like “Access Eastern” and “Brown Bag Sessions” offer hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and learning opportunities for local IT professionals and community leaders, arming them with essential tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

“These initiatives are about more than connectivity, they’re about empowerment,” said Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Jaeson Evangelista. “We believe that every Filipino deserves a seat at the digital table, and we’re doing our part to ensure that nobody is left behind.”

With more than 145 years of experience, Eastern Communications is still dedicated to its “High Tech” and “High Touch” pledge, fusing state-of-the-art technology with individualized care that fosters impact and trust. Eastern Communications remains a reliable partner in advancing important projects to create a digitally empowered Philippines by collaborating with both public and commercial partners.

For additional information on Eastern Communications and its programs, visit www.eastern.com.ph or call (02) 5300-7000.

Pru Life UK Head of Brand & Integrated Marketing Communications Kathryn Cajucom (2nd from left) and Assistant Manager for Corporate Communications Lalaine Almazan (1st from right) received the International Life Insurer of the Year-Philippines recognition from Insurance Asia Awards.

Pru Life UK has once again demonstrated its status as a top insurer in the Philippines by winning International Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines for the fifth consecutive year at the recent 2025 Insurance Asia Awards.

The leading awards show for the Asia Pacific insurance industry is the Insurance Asia Awards. Its goal is to honor and celebrate the best insurance companies in the area for their inventiveness and profound influence on the lives of their clients.

“Winning the International Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines title for the fifth consecutive year is a testament to our dedication to excellence and inclusive growth. Over the past year, Pru Life UK has continued its focus on improving our business performance, while also empowering and accelerating value for our employees, customers, shareholders and communities,” said Kathryn Cajucom, Vice President and Head of Branding and Integrated Marketing Communications.

Maintaining customer trust

Pru Life UK attributes its recent victory to the unwavering support of its customers and partners. Throughout the years, the company has rolled out various initiatives to strengthen financial inclusion and to innovate its services to meet their needs.

These include extending financial protection to all Filipino communities—regardless of faith, background, or income—with PRUTerm Lindungi, Pru Life UK’s first life protection plan in the Philippines that is compliant with Islamic laws. The company’s expanded Madrasah initiatives have also provided more Filipinos access to its tailored solutions for diverse cultural and religious needs.

In addition, Pru Life UK introduced easy and secure cashless payment options to allow a more seamless and convenient experience for its customers. Its PRULink Global Tech Navigator Fund enables customers to participate in dynamic growth opportunities within the global technology sector.

“These initiatives play an important role in our growth. To date, we have insured over two million lives,” said Cajucom.

Keeping employees delighted

Fostering employee well-being and development is also among Pru Life UK’s key priorities.

In the past year, the company opened the PRUHouse head office, aimed at enhancing collaboration and promoting a customer-centric culture.

“Our people remain our greatest asset. In the past year, we have also reinforced our commitment to employee welfare through well-being initiatives and career development support, ensuring that our workforce remains motivated, resilient, and equipped to meet future challenges,” said Cajucom.

Pru Life UK has grown its workforce to more than 40,000 dedicated professionals and expanded its network to over 200 branches and general agencies nationwide.

Cultivating a sustainable future

Regarding sustainability, Pru Life UK has intensified its strategy for climate resilience. It started educational programs and a comic book that emphasizes how climate change affects Filipinos’ mental health and financial stability as part of this endeavor.

“We recognise that sustainable growth requires collective action, and we will continue to collaborate with partners, communities, and stakeholders to protect the planet and make a positive difference for generations to come,” said Cajucom.

“Once again, we are grateful to Insurance Asia Awards for this honour. We will use this accomplishment as an inspiration to continue delivering impactful work that empowers Filipinos,” added Cajucom.

A Manila Water Advocacy Manager conducting an information, education, and communication (IEC) program at a barangay hall in Pasig.

Manila Water’s July desludging program has been implemented throughout Metro Manila’s East Zone and portions of Rizal Province, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to clean and healthy communities. Residents are encouraged to participate in this vital service, which supports public health and helps avoid environmental contamination, by the company.

Before every planned service, Manila Water runs its information, education, and communication (IEC) program to make sure locals are aware and ready. In collaboration with barangay offices and local government units, the IEC sessions give households vital information on the desludging process, its advantages, and the preparations they must make before service day.

“Desludging is a shared responsibility, and through our IEC program on sanitation, we make sure communities are equipped with the knowledge they need to participate actively,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

Manila Water rolls out its July desludging schedule, supported by its IEC program. In partnership with LGUs and barangays, the IEC sessions help residents understand the desludging process, its benefits, and how to prepare.

For July, Manila Water desludging trucks and ground personnel will be deployed in the following barangays: San Jose in Antipolo; San Isidro in Taytay; San Pedro in Angono; Mambog, Layunan, Libis, and Libid in Binangonan; San Jose, San Isidro, and Balite in Montalban (Rodriguez); Ampid II and Banaba in San Mateo; Gulod Malaya, Silangan, Sta. Elena, and Industrial Valley Complex in Marikina; Rosario, Santolan, and Buting in Pasig City; Alicia, Pasong Tamo, Loyola Heights, Bagong Pag-asa, San Roque, Ramon Magsaysay Damayang Lagi, and Holy Spirit in Quezon City; Balong Bato, Ermitanyo, Pedro Cruz, Little Baguio, and Maytunas in San Juan City; and Poblacion and Mabini-J. Rizal in Mandaluyong City.

Frequent desludging is essential for safeguarding water supplies, lowering pollution, and improving community health in addition to ensuring that septic systems operate as intended. Residents who take part in this program help to make the community safer, more resilient, and a cleaner place for everyone.